His research interests focused on the understanding of the molecular structure and dynamics of complex chemical systems, including organic semi-conductors for photovoltaic applications, proton and electron transfer reactions, the hydrated electron and intermediates in the reverse transcription mechanism of HIV-1.
His laboratory developed and applied novel ultrafast and single molecule spectroscopies to study the complexity of these chemical system.
He was also Director of UT-Austin's Center for Nano- and Molecular Science and Technology, and Senior Editor for Accounts of Chemical Research.
[1] He joined the faculty of the department of chemistry at the University of Minnesota in 1980, achieving the rank of full professor in 1990.
[2] Paul Barbara was named 3M-Alumni Distinguished Professor of Chemistry in 1995, elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1999.