Postdoctoral Researcher

University of Kansas, United States

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: Lawrence, KANSAS

26847BR

Ctr Enviro Benefical Catalysis


Position Overview

The KU Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis (CEBC) has postdoctoral researcher openings for an industry sponsored project. 

Applications for postdoctoral researchers will be reviewed by individual CEBC faculty mentors and placed in a pool for consideration for a one-year or two-year research position. The research projects may involve one or more of the following topical areas:

  • Engineering tunable solvents (e.g., supercritical fluids, gas-expanded liquids, and ionic liquids) as reaction media or for energy-efficient separations;
  • Measurement of solubilities of catalysts, reactants and products in gas-expanded liquids, using visual and Uv-Vis techniques;
  • Reaction engineering, including detailed modeling and experimental characterization of novel reactor designs, multi-phase catalytic systems;
  • Design, synthesis, and characterization of homogeneous and/or heterogeneous catalysts for Suzuki coupling reactions and ozonolysis;
  • Advanced operando spectroscopic measurements such as in situ React IR;
  • Analytical chemistry, including familiarity with methods such as GC-MS and HPLC techniques.

    • Job 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.


    Position Requirements

    Work location statement – This position is required to work on-site


    Required Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or closely related discipline earned within the past five years.
  • Strong research history in a field or fields related to research areas listed.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills as demonstrated in application materials and interview. 
  • Ability to work as a member of a research team as demonstrated in application materials. 
    • NOTE

    : To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the Ph.D. 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

  • Substantial experience working as a member of a research team, particularly in projects related to Suzuki coupling reactions and ozone-based chemistries.
  • Experience in mentoring other researchers (typically at the undergraduate or master’s level).
  • Novel research proposal development, presentation and execution, including evaluating and summarizing the state-of-the-art in a particular area.

    • Additional Candidate Instruction

    Only complete application packages submitted online will be considered. A complete application includes online application form, resume, cover letter, names and contact information for three professional references.

    Review of applications will begin on January 29, 2024 and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified. 


    Advertised Salary Range

    $55,000 minimum; commensurate with skills and experience.


    Application Review Begins

    29-Jan-2024


    Anticipated Start Date

    01-Mar-2024


    Primary Campus

    University of Kansas Lawrence Campus


    Employee Class

    U-Unclassified Professional Staff


    Work Schedule

    8-5 M-F; 40 hrs/wk


    Conditions of Employment

    Contingent on Funding, Limited Term


    Work Location Assignment

    On-Site


    Disclaimer

    The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.


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