Postdoctoral Research Scholar
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Position Number: 00112280
Essential Job Duties:
The Abolhasani Research Group in the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at North Carolina State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scholar to develop next-generation self-driving laboratories and autonomous experimentation technologies as part of the NSF-funded SPEED (Self-driving Platforms for Expedited Experimental co-Design) Programmable Cloud Laboratory.
The successful candidate will develop and deploy closed-loop experimental platforms that integrate automated synthesis and experimentation, real-time characterization, data analysis, and AI/ML-based experiment selection. The research will focus on creating modular, reliable, and user-accessible autonomous laboratories for accelerated discovery and optimization in chemistry and materials science.
Highly motivated candidates with experience in laboratory automation, autonomous experimentation, robotics, scientific instrumentation, process control, or related areas are encouraged to apply. Experience with Python-based automation and integration of laboratory hardware and analytical instruments is highly desirable.
The successful candidate will work in a highly interdisciplinary environment involving chemical engineers, chemists, materials scientists, computer scientists, AI/ML researchers, and external academic and industrial partners.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
- Design, develop, and deploy self-driving laboratory platforms for autonomous chemical and materials experimentation.
- Integrate synthesis, sample handling, analytical characterization, and data-processing tools into automated experimental workflows.
- Develop Python-based interfaces for laboratory hardware and scientific instruments.
- Implement closed-loop workflows connecting experimental platforms with AI/ML experiment-selection algorithms.
- Develop methods for automated calibration, fault detection, error recovery, and experimental quality control.
- Establish standardized workflows and interfaces that allow experimental platforms to be used by external SPEED users.
- Conduct autonomous and high-throughput experimental campaigns.
- Analyze experimental data and evaluate the performance and robustness of autonomous workflows.
- Collaborate with SPEED researchers in chemistry, materials science, AI/ML, data science, and automation.
- Prepare manuscripts, presentations, technical documentation, and regular project reports.
- Meet regularly with the PI and SPEED team to review progress, milestones, and future research plans.
Departmental Required Skills:
- Demonstrated experience in experimental research, laboratory automation, robotics, process control, scientific instrumentation, or related areas.
- Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:
- Experience with Python, laboratory automation, robotic systems, instrument APIs, process control, automated characterization, data acquisition, high-throughput experimentation, or self-driving laboratories is preferred.
- Experience integrating multiple instruments into end-to-end automated experimental workflows is particularly desirable.
Necessary Licenses or Certifications:
N/A
AA/EOE:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
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Department: 140201 - Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
