Job Description
Department:
Chemistry - King - Staff
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Employee Type:
Job Summary:
ALL materials should be uploaded as pdf files at: https://apply.interfolio.com/180477, unless instructed otherwise. Inquiries about the position may be sent to dwking@colby.edu.For more information about the Department of Chemistry, please visit: www.colby.edu/chemistry. Additional application details are included below.
The Department of Chemistry at Colby College invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Aquatic Chemistry to begin March 1, 2026. This temporary, 18-month teaching and research appointment supports the Department’s commitment to undergraduate education and high-impact faculty–student research. The Postdoctoral Fellow will contribute to collaborative research in aquatic chemistry while teaching undergraduate courses aligned with departmental needs.
The position is based in Professor D. Whitney King’s aquatic chemistry laboratory, which provides access to excellent instrumentation, laboratory facilities, and extensive infrastructure for field-based research, including Colby’s Island Campus. For information about the Department of Chemistry, please visit: www.colby.edu/chemistry
We welcome applications from candidates with broad research interests in aquatic chemistry. Preference will be given to applicants with expertise in lake biogeochemistry, environmental sensor design, photochemistry, and the application of machine learning for the analysis of environmental data. In addition to carrying out collaborative research, the successful candidate will teach one undergraduate course per semester selected from: General Chemistry, Aquatic Chemistry, Thermodynamics and Kinetics, or Instrumental Analysis. Candidates must have a Ph.D. by the start date and a strong commitment to undergraduate education.
The position is supported by a competitive compensation package, excellent instrumentation and laboratory facilities, and extensive infrastructure for field research – including the new Colby Island Campus.
Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities
To be successful in this position, an individual should be able to perform the essential duties and bring the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that support the role. Colby College supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This list of duties is intended to be representative rather than exhaustive, and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.
Research Responsibilities
Conduct collaborative research in aquatic chemistry within Professor D. Whitney King’s laboratory.
Design and execute research projects related to aquatic and environmental chemistry.
Contribute to the dissemination of research findings through publications, presentations, and collaborative scholarship.
Utilize field research infrastructure, including lake and island-based research facilities, to support aquatic chemistry investigations.
Teaching Responsibilities
Teach one undergraduate course per semester selected from departmental offerings, which may include General Chemistry, Aquatic Chemistry, Thermodynamics and Kinetics, or Instrumental Analysis.
Develop and deliver high-quality instructional materials aligned with course learning objectives.
Engage undergraduate students in research and support their academic development.
Departmental and Academic Engagement
Participate in departmental activities as appropriate for a postdoctoral appointment.
Contribute positively to the educational culture of a small liberal arts college that values inclusive excellence, mentorship, and close faculty–student collaboration.
Position Qualifications
Education and/or experience:
Preferred Qualifications
Expertise or research experience in one or more of the following areas:
Lake biogeochemistry
Environmental sensor design
Photochemistry
Application of machine learning techniques to environmental data analysis
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and mentorship.
Ability to balance teaching and research responsibilities in a liberal arts environment.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively within a research group and academic department.
Commitment to contributing to a diverse, inclusive, and supportive academic community.
Physical/Mental Demands
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here reflect what is typically needed to perform the essential functions of this position and what may be experienced while carrying out those duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.
This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.
In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role.
This position includes regular movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.
Daily work may involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse
Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds or, in more physically demanding roles, up to 50 pounds.
Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed.
The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills..
The noise level is generally moderate; however, there may be occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus activity.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit (1) a cover letter describing their interest in, and qualifications for, this position; (2) an updated curriculum vitae; (3) statements of research interests; and (4) copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Candidates should arrange to have three confidential letters of recommendation sent to the research committee. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
