Faculty.Professor.Visiting Research Assistant

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh invites applications for a full-time Visiting Research Assistant Professor to lead and conduct research on the chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect. The successful candidate will work closely with Professor Haitao Liu and his research group to investigate how molecular chirality governs spin-dependent electron transport and reactivity at surfaces and interfaces, with applications spanning spintronics, enantioselective electrochemistry and catalysis, and spin-controlled processes in molecular and biomolecular systems.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret experiments probing spin-polarized charge transport through chiral molecules, self-assembled monolayers, and chiral thin films.
• Develop and apply surface- and interface-sensitive measurements relevant to CISS, which may include magnetoresistance and spin-dependent transport measurements, electrochemical methods (cyclic voltammetry, EIS, chronoamperometry), spin-polarized or magnetic-field-modulated electrochemistry, and characterization by AFM, XPS, QCM/QCM-D, ellipsometry, and related techniques.
• Prepare and characterize chiral molecular assemblies and substrates, including DNA-based and other biomolecular chiral systems where relevant.
• Author peer-reviewed publications and contribute to conference presentations and dissemination of results.
• Contribute to the preparation of grant proposals and reports to federal agencies and other sponsors.
• Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate researchers, and help maintain shared instrumentation and safe laboratory practices.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated research experience relevant to CISS, spin-dependent phenomena, electrochemistry, surface science, or molecular electronics, evidenced by a strong publication record.
• Hands-on expertise with one or more relevant experimental platforms (e.g., electrochemistry, surface characterization, magnetotransport, or spin-sensitive measurements).
• Ability to work independently, design rigorous experiments, and communicate results effectively in writing and in presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience measuring or modeling the CISS effect or spin-polarized transport in molecular and solid state systems.
• Familiarity with chiral self-assembled monolayers, DNA nanostructures, or chiral inorganic/hybrid materials.
• Experience with instrument development, automation, or custom measurement setups.
• A record of successful collaboration across chemistry, physics, and materials science.
• Contributions to grant writing and evidence of emerging research independence.

Appointment Terms

This is a full-time, visiting research assistant professor appointment, the initial appointment term will be 1 year, with renewal contingent on performance and the availability of funding. 

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer.