New Summer Student!

The Burns Research Lab welcomes Ms. Maddison Gibson as a summer researcher. Maddison is a participant in the UAB Regional Initiative to Promote Undergraduate Participation in Experimental and Computational Materials Research program, which is supported by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program.

Ms. Gibson is a rising senior at Savannah State University, working towards a degree in Forensic Science. The UAB REU program runs for 10-weeks from the last week in May till the end of July and supports 14 undergraduates from around the country to come to UAB and conduct cutting-edge research across many different disciplines. 

Recruiting Highly Qualified Inorganic/Radiochemistry Postdoctoral Researcher

The Burns Research Group currently has an opening for a highly motivated inorganic or radiochemist. The successful candidate will contribute to a variety of activities in inorganic radiochemistry including: 1) the investigation into emerging radioisotopes for medical applications, 2) the design of nanomaterials for radiopharmaceuticals, and 3) the development of new technologies for used nuclear fuel recycling.

Relevant Skills and Experience

  • This position requires the successful candidate to be an adept, hands-on chemist with experience in inorganic, analytical, or radiochemistry, preferably with experience in nanomaterials synthesis and characterization.
  • Fundamental understanding of metal coordination complexes in solution and solid phases utilization towards application of separations processes such as solvent extraction, ion exchange and crystallization is also desirable.
  • The ability to work in a team-oriented, interdisciplinary environment that embraces change, risk, and flexibility is needed.
  • This individual must be capable of handling multiple projects/tasks at the same time.
  • A demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team with sense of urgency for timelines is needed.
  • The successful candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • A passion and enthusiasm for innovation will be an asset.
  • Proven problem-solving skills and good interpersonal relationship and people skills will be needed.

Essential duties:

  • Design and carry out independent research focused on inorganic radiochemistry which could include: 1) the investigation into emerging radioisotopes for medical applications, 2) the design of nanomaterials for radiopharmaceuticals, and 3) the development of new technologies for used nuclear fuel recycling.
  • Obtain and analyze data from a variety of techniques including ICP-MS, UV-VIS, gamma spectroscopy, etc.
  • Handle radioactive materials in a safe manner.
  • Keeps meticulous records in laboratory notebook and online data management systems and initial analysis of laboratory results. 
  • Write technical reports of experimental data to meet the sponsors requirements and for manuscripts to be submitted for peer-reviewed journal article publication.
  • Shares responsibility with other lab members for compliance with University safety procedures and maintaining common supplies and instruments. 
  • Conduct literature searches related to research projects.

Required qualifications:

  • Ph.D in Chemistry, preferably with experience in inorganic chemistry or radiochemistry.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • High quality, peer-reviewed publications

Preferred Skills/Desirable Qualifications:

  • Experience in nanomaterial synthesis and characterization
  • Experience with surface functionalization
  • Experience with radioactive materials

If you are interested, please submit a Cover Letter, CV, and Research Statement to burnsjon@uab.edu

Michael Jones has been selected to the inaugural undergraduate class of the HIPPO Collaboration!

Congratulation to Michael Jones for being selected to the inaugural undergraduate class of the HIPPO: Horizon‐broadening Isotope Production Pipeline Opportunities collaboration! Michael is a Junior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham majoring in Chemistry. Over the next year, he will be conducting research in the Burns Research Laboratory investigating the utility of using VO2+ as a chemical analog for AtO+, along with exploring the separation chemistry of V for the purification of 48V.