We look for people who want to build molecules carefully and then find out what that precision is good for. Most of what we do sits between synthesis and physical characterization, so a willingness to learn both matters more than arriving with either.
Graduate students apply through the Cain Department of Chemical Engineering. Mention the group in your application, and write to Jimmy Lawrence directly if you want to talk first.
Undergraduates at LSU are welcome to ask about a project at any point in the year. Several have continued to doctoral programs.
Postdoctoral researchers: write with a CV and a short note on what you want to work on.