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Postdoctoral Researcher for KU Ctr for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis

Employer
Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis
Location
Lawrence, Kansas
Salary
minimum $52,000 annually, commensurate with skills & experience
Closing date
Jul 7, 2023
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Field of specialization
Catalysts, Engineering, Environmental, Green Chemistry, Polymers
Work Function
Research-Basic
Job Type
Full time

Job Details

Applications for postdoctoral scientists will be reviewed for consideration for a one-year appointment with potential to renew, depending upon satisfactory performance and available funding. The specific nature of the planned research projects is proprietary but may involve one or more of the topical areas listed below.  Ideal candidates will have in-depth expertise in one or more of these said areas and will be able to effectively collaborate with team members working in the other adjacent focal areas.

1. Reaction engineering, including design and construction of reactors and detailed modeling and experimental characterization of novel reactor designs, multi-phase catalytic systems, and complex reaction kinetics;

2. Physical and synthetic organic chemistry, including detailed mechanistic studies, complex and model system kinetics, reactive intermediate synthesis and characterization.

3. Adsorption theory and modeling.

4. Advanced spectroscopic measurements and surface science, including development of in situ or operando experiments;

5. Engineering tunable solvents (e.g., supercritical fluids, gas-expanded liquids, and ionic liquids) as reaction media or for energy-efficient separations; Design and evaluation of chemical processes, including plant-scale simulations (Aspen/HYSYS), and environmental sustainability assessments (LCA)

Position Description:

70% - Conduct research spanning from initial proof-of-concept through the optimized bench scale catalytic process, adequate for performing detailed environmental impact and economic evaluations.

20% - Actively engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, communicating frequently with research groups and researchers in private industry. Provide mentoring for graduate and undergraduate students, and other postdoctoral researchers as needed. 

5% -  Publish and report the results of CEBC research at professional meetings and assist CEBC and KU in securing intellectual property rights on inventions.

5% -  Participate in professional development and educational outreach programs of CEBC; e.g., safety recruiting, procurement, diversity, and service activities, seminars, committees, etc.

Required Qualifications:

  1. Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or closely related discipline;
  2. Strong research history in a field or fields related to aforementioned research areas;
  3. Demonstrated effective written communication skills as evidenced through application materials;
  4. Demonstrated work history as a member of a research team as evidenced through application materials..

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD conferred at the time of hire.  Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an interim basis not to exceed 6-months. Upon verification of degree the appointment will be extended to its full duration.

Preferred Qualifications:

  1. Substantial experience working as a member of a research team, particularly in projects related to pharmaceutical flow chemistry (continuous manufacturing), hydrogenation catalysis and trickle-bed reactors.
  2. Characterization and modeling of adsorption isotherms and the impact of adsorption upon catalysis.

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete application consists of the online application, cover letter, resume, & 3 professional references. Only complete applications will be considered.

Candidates will be evaluated on (i) the candidate’s research experience, as evidenced by a resume and cover letter, (ii) prior research publications and/or patent applications, (iii) references.

Application Review will begin on 06/19/2023 and will be ongoing until the position is filled.

Company

The Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis (CEBC) is a Designated Center by the University of Kansas Center for Research (KUCR). As part of the National Science Foundation Engineering Research Centers Program, CEBC’s mission is to develop environmentally friendly chemical processes for industrial use. The person recruited for this position will work with participating CEBC faculty members at KU, the University of Iowa, Washington University in St. Louis, and Prairie View A&M University to plan and implement education, outreach, and diversity enhancement activities. The ideal candidate for this position will be a self-starter, able to initiate new projects with little or no supervision.

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