Postdoctoral Position on Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Photoredox systems at Dartmouth College, NH, USA
We are seeking a talented and motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Sneha Lab (snehalab.com) at Dartmouth College. The post is central to a project focused on building and applying ultrafast spectroscopic tools to unravel the mechanisms of photocatalyzed reactions.
Institution / Group: Sneha Lab, Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College Location: Hanover, NH, USA Salary: Commensurate with NIH NRSA guidelines Contract: Full-time, fixed-term for two years (extendable following a successful first-year review) Start date: As soon as possible
Science / vision: The project investigates the mechanistic pathways of photoredox and photosensitized reaction systems, focusing on organocatalyzed super radical ion chemistry with applications ranging from the synthesis of pharmaceuticals to plastic recycling. By combining structurally sensitive time-resolved infrared spectroscopy with transient absorption, the project aims to track reactive species from femtoseconds to microseconds and connect their early dynamics to product yields, providing a mechanistic picture that will guide catalyst design.
The postdoctoral scholar will build a state-of-the-art 100 kHz ultrafast time-resolved infrared (TRIR) spectrometer and maintain and operate a turnkey transient absorption (TA) spectrometer, using both to follow photochemical and photocatalytic processes on femtosecond-to-microsecond timescales. The role combines hands-on instrument development with mechanistic physical-chemistry research, offering scope to shape both the experimental capability and the scientific direction of the project.
Key responsibilities
- Build, align, calibrate and maintain ultrafast laser-based spectroscopy setups (TRIR and transient absorption).
- Plan and carry out time-resolved spectroscopic measurements on photoredox systems and interpret the resulting kinetics and mechanisms.
- Develop instrument control and data-acquisition/analysis software (LabVIEW and/or Python).
- Work closely with collaborators, including synthetic and computational partners, to connect spectroscopic observations to reaction mechanisms.
- Prepare results for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present at group meetings and conferences.
- Contribute to the day-to-day running of the laboratory, including mentoring students and supporting laser safety.
Essential criteria
- PhD (awarded or submitted) in chemistry, physics, materials science or a closely related field.
- Hands-on experience with ultrafast lasers and ultrafast optical techniques.
- Demonstrated expertise in transient absorption and/or time-resolved infrared spectroscopy.
- Strong practical skills and a genuine interest in designing and building optical setups from the component level.
- Programming experience in LabVIEW and/or Python for instrument control and data analysis.
- A track record of research output appropriate to career stage, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Desirable criteria
- Experience in photochemistry, photocatalysis or reaction-mechanism studies.
- Familiarity with additional ultrafast/nonlinear techniques (e.g. 2D-IR, fluorescence up-conversion, pump–probe, SFG).
What we offer
- A well-equipped laser laboratory and a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.
- The opportunity to lead the development of a new spectroscopic capability.
- Support for professional development, conference travel and publication.
How to apply
Please submit a CV, a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, and the names of two to three referees to Mahima.sneha@dartmouth.edu by September 10, 2026. You are welcome to include a brief statement of research interests. Please combine all documents into a single PDF. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Informal enquiries are warmly welcomed and should be directed to Mahima.sneha@dartmouth.edu. Dartmouth is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.
