Environmental Chemistry Postdoctoral Fellow (Borch/Ippolito)

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 15 Mar 2022

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Environmental Chemistry Postdoctoral Fellow (Borch/Ippolito)
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Is this position eligible for hybrid or remote work?
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202200030AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Postdoctoral Fellows
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $50,000 - $57,600 plus applicable benefits. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ & https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
Desired Start Date 07/01/2022
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 03/15/2022
Description of Work Unit
The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences is focused on education, research, and outreach to solve the world’s most pressing food production issues and crucial matters about Earth, its ecosystems, and their services. Our faculty and staff apply research-based solutions to benefit Colorado and the world. We offer academic programs to prepare students to address national and global crop production, sustainability, and environmental quality challenges such as waste management, water quality, and reclamation of drastically disturbed lands. There are numerous opportunities for students to be involved in cutting edge research related to global food production and ecosystem function and protection.
Position Summary
The successful candidate will be co-supervised by Drs. Thomas Borch and Jim Ippolito (CSU), and will work in close collaboration with Drs. Dionysios (Dion) D. Dionysiou  (Univ. of Cincinnati), Brennan Pecha (National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)), Amy McKenna (National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL), Susan Crow (University of Hawaii), and Jim Mothersbaugh (CEO – WaterTectonics). The selected applicant will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment and collaborate with other researchers in the area of water reuse using non-conventional waters as part of the National Alliance for Water Innovation (NAWI) hub funded by the Department of Energy (https://www.nawihub.org/partners ). The position is focused on synthesis of advanced sorbents for nutrient recovery. Our project goal is to develop and test the practicality of selective, low-cost, environmentally friendly sorbents for the precise removal and recovery of nutrients (i.e., phosphate, ammonium, and nitrate) from agricultural and municipal wastewaters. 
Required Job Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in soil chemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical engineering or related field by the beginning of the appointment
  • Excellent scientific writing skills and oral communication, and the ability to organize and analyze data, and disseminate research findings in peer-reviewed journals and in conferences are essential.  
  • The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date. The department will not sponsor a visa for this position. 
  • Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Desired skills and experience include advanced characterization of materials such as surface-modified biochars and clays using synchrotron radiation-based spectroscopy, NMR, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, (STXM), electron microscopy, and mass spectrometry (e.g., FTICR MS).
  • Experience with soil-based experiments and nutrients.
  • Strong publication record.
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Research
Duty/Responsibility
Optimizing the sorbent properties (selectivity) via molecular characterization using advanced instruments at national laboratories, and assess the impact of the nutrient loaded biochars and clays on soil health, and quantify the release of available nutrients.
Percentage Of Time 60
Job Duty Category Authorship
Duty/Responsibility
Lead and contribute to writing of annual reports, grants, and first-author articles (~1-2 journal publications). 
Percentage Of Time 30
Job Duty Category Mentoring
Duty/Responsibility
Partial mentorship responsibilities for graduate and undergraduate students
Percentage Of Time 10

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but for full consideration, all materials must be received by 03/15/2022. Applicants should upload the following:
  • Cover letter addressing qualifications; 
  • Curriculum vitae; 
  • Contact information of three professional references, one of who is/was an immediate supervisor, who has firsthand knowledge of the applicant’s professional abilities. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates. 


    • Transcripts may be requested at a later date to confirm degree completion.
    Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License
    Search Contact Thomas Borch; [email protected]
    EEO Statement
    Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
    The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
    The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
    The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
    Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
    Background Check Policy Statement
    Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

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