The University of Wisconsin–Madison is accepting applications for a full-time Scientist II position in the Stahl Research Group within the Department of Chemistry. This onsite role in Madison, Wisconsin, will support academic research and industrial collaborations involving catalysis, chemical synthesis, and electrochemistry.
Position Overview
- Job title: Scientist II
- Department: College of Letters & Science, Department of Chemistry
- Location: Madison, Wisconsin
- Work arrangement: Onsite
- Employment type: Regular, full-time, 100% FTE
- Job category: Academic Staff
- Requisition ID: JR10014327
- Salary range: $75,000–$100,000, depending on qualifications and experience
- Application deadline: September 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
About the Role
The successful candidate will help lead funded research projects and industrial collaborations while exploring new research directions. The Scientist II will also serve as a laboratory methods expert, support project and equipment management, mentor researchers, and contribute to publications, proposals, reports, and presentations.
The Stahl Research Group focuses on catalysis, particularly selective oxidation reactions relevant to the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries. Its work also includes electrochemistry and electrocatalysis for chemical synthesis, as well as applied research involving biomass and waste-plastic deconstruction and valorization. More information is available on the Stahl Lab website.
Research Methods and Technical Areas
Relevant laboratory methods may include:
- Chemical synthesis of organic, organometallic, and inorganic compounds
- Design, setup, and execution of homogeneous or heterogeneous catalytic reactions
- Kinetic and mechanistic studies, including data acquisition, analysis, and fitting
- Air-free synthesis and analysis using Schlenk techniques and gloveboxes
- Safe operation of high-pressure reactions and Parr reactors, including reactions with oxygen at elevated pressure
- Spectroscopic and analytical measurements, including NMR, UV-vis, EPR, Mössbauer, LC-MS, and GC-MS
- Materials characterization methods
- Analytical and preparative electrochemical techniques
Prior experience in every listed method is not required.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct literature reviews and prepare research reports and materials
- Collect and analyze complex data, conduct experiments, and document results
- Identify research problems and develop advanced methodologies and procedures
- Support the principal investigator with management of funded projects
- Work with the laboratory manager to maintain and operate group equipment
- Mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers
- Assist with manuscripts, grant applications, and research proposals
- Prepare progress reports and presentations for funding agencies and external audiences
- Represent the research area as a subject-matter expert and liaison
- Help facilitate scholarly events and presentations
- Supervise day-to-day research-unit activities when needed
- Monitor budgets and approve unit expenditures as assigned
The position may include travel to conferences and collaborator sites to support projects and communicate research outcomes.
Required Qualifications
- Strong theoretical knowledge of organic or inorganic chemistry
- Research expertise in multiple areas of experimental chemistry, such as homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysis, synthetic organic chemistry, kinetic and mechanistic studies, or electrochemistry
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to balance priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail
- Ability to take ownership of responsibilities, follow procedures, and deliver dependable, accurate work
- Ability to build positive working relationships and provide guidance and support to others
- Professional and open communication skills
- Ability to communicate experimental methods and results clearly and effectively
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing and implementing analytical methods for small-molecule characterization
- Experience operating high-pressure reactors, including Parr reactors
- Experience analyzing and fitting kinetic data
- Experience with or interest in learning computational methods, including DFT calculations, Python, and machine learning
- Ability to troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance on laboratory equipment and instrumentation
Education Requirement
Applicants must hold a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
Compensation and Benefits
The expected salary is $75,000 to $100,000. Placement within the range will depend on the candidate’s qualifications and experience, with the upper end generally reserved for applicants with extensive relevant experience.
Benefits may include generous vacation, holiday and sick leave, insurance and savings accounts, and retirement benefits.
How to Apply
Applicants should use the university’s online application system and select either “I am a current employee” or “I am not a current employee.” Current employees of the Universities of Wisconsin must sign in to Workday and apply through the internal process.
The application provides one attachment field. Upload the required documents as one combined file or as multiple files in the same upload area:
- Cover letter explaining how your research training, background, and personal qualities align with the position
- Resume or curriculum vitae
The materials should explain your interest in the role and show how your previous experience meets the stated qualifications. Submit only the requested materials, as additional documents will not be reviewed. Chrome or Firefox is recommended when completing the application.
Work Authorization
The successful applicant must be eligible to work in the United States on or before the appointment’s effective date. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent residents, or foreign nationals already authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
Application Deadline and Contact
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on September 21, 2026.
For questions, contact Beatriz Lemire at beatriz.lemire@wisc.edu. Wisconsin Telephone Relay Service access is available by dialing 7-1-1.
Equal Opportunity and Accommodations
UW–Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants who need a disability- or pregnancy-related accommodation during any stage of the hiring process should contact the appropriate Divisional Disability Representative as early as possible.
Employment may require a criminal background check and reference questions related to misconduct. Applicant confidentiality is governed by Wisconsin law, and the identity of the successful candidate will be released.
