Open Positions

We are looking to hire !

Highly motivated graduate students, postdocs, and undergraduates interested in interdisciplinary engineering and fundamental research for sustainable separations are encouraged to apply.

 

Traits we are looking for in new lab members…

  • Collaborative: We prioritize teamwork between labmates over competition

  • Curious: We seek students that are passionate about learning and growing beyond their comfort zone

  • Motivated: Our team is motivated to improve the world we live in for all humankind

  • Independent: Demonstrated leadership and capability to drive initiatives

  • Creative: Eagerness to explore the unknown from new—even ‘risky’—angles

  • Honest: Committment to uphold academic integrity and embrace failure/mistakes

Postdoctoral Associate Positions

Open Position 01/26/2026 — Until Filled

Area of Research: The behavior of fluids and electrolytes confined below 10 nm drives the performance of many practical separation technologies for water purification, resource recovery, and energy production yet remains poorly understood. The NanoSep Lab at CU Boulder is seeking a postdoc to develop novel nanofluidic devices in tandem with model membrane systems to probe transport phenomena across scales.

You will join a new group with big ambitions. We seek to bridge knowledge gaps between the unique behavior and interactions observed for molecules under extreme confinement to the design of practical separation materials. The successful candidate will be expected to engage in mentorship of younger students, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and publish high-impact work.

Qualification:

The ideal candidate will have one or more of the following…

  • PhD in a relevant field, including but not limited to, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or Mechanical Engineering.

  • Extensive micro/nanofabrication (cleanroom) experience.

  • Experience in micro/nanofluidics.

  • Experience fabricating 2D heterostructures.

  • Previously demonstrated curiosity and creativity to develop new methodologies.

How to Apply:

Your application package should include…

  1. Cover letter describing your interest and fit for this position

  2. Curriculum vitae (CV)

  3. Contact information for 3 references

Email your application to cody.ritt@colorado.edu, with the subject line: NanoSep Lab PDA Application

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only candidates shortlisted for interviews will be contacted.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.

  • Exceptional working conditions: you will benefit from the infrastructure of COSINC, a new ISO 5 cleanroom facility on campus, with close proximity to an exclusive and updated lab space for our team.

  • Life in Boulder: quick access to beautiful hiking and mountain skiing with proximity to Denver and the DIA airport for dual-career considerations and travel.

 

General (unsolicited) Applications: Rolling

We welcome applications from prospective postdoctoral candidates with training in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, and related fields. Those with training in (1) inorganic 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures, (2) polymer science and engineering, including 2D polymers, and (3) electrochemical separation processes.

To inquire about available positions and to submit an application, please contact Prof. Ritt (cody.ritt@colorado.edu) with the following:

  • Cover letter: Indicating your research interests, experience, and contact information for 3 references

  • CV: Up to date with complete list of publications

  • Research accomplishment: Short summary (< 250 words) highlighting the research from your PhD that you feel was the most impactful and why

Graduate Student Positions

last updated: 08/01/2025

The NanoSep Lab is seeking at least 1 graduate student to join the group, starting as early as Summer 2026!

Prospective graduate students interested in joining the group should directly apply to either the Chemical Engineering PhD Program offered by the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at CU–Boulder or the Materials Science and Engineering PhD Program at CU–Boulder.

Admitted and prospective graduate students interested in the group are encouraged to contact Cody (cody.ritt@colorado.edu) directly for more information. Students should include a copy of their CV and briefly state their research interest. Additionally, exceptional students who may be able to secure outside fellowships are always encouraged to contact Cody.

Undergraduate Student Positions

last updated: 08/01/2025

The NanoSep Lab is open to under

Michelle Barsukov, Yale Class of ‘22

Ambitious CU–Boulder undergraduates who are interested in gaining research experience should send Cody (cody.ritt@colorado.edu) a single-PDF of their resume along with a brief state of their research interests and why they are interested in gaining this experience.

Undergraduate researchers will be compensated financially and may have opportunities for external fellowships to help fund full-time Summer research. At least 5-10 hours of research time per week (on average) will be expected during the academic year. Undergraduates should expect to be mentored by a graduate student and assist with data collection to develop relevant lab skills. More experienced undergraduate researchers may be given the opportunitity to initiate and drive forward their own research projects.