Postdoctoral Researcher

University of Kansas, United States

Updated: over 2 years ago
Location: Lawrence, KANSAS
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

20713BR

Chemical & Petroleum Engr


Position Overview

The University of Kansas Chemical and Petroleum Engineering department is seeking a well-qualified post-doctoral research associate to support a proprietary research project focused on the development of new approaches to cost-effectively convert waste materials (biomass and plastics) into liquid hydrocarbons and olefins. The project has a strong chemical engineering aspect and is suitable for candidates with a background and interest in heterogenous catalysis and/ or chemical reactor engineering. A successful candidate will be able to work in a hands-on, collaborative, energetic environment.


Job Description

60% Research

  • Design and build experimental apparatus for studying both high- and low-pressure chemical reactions.
  • Using analytical techniques including but not limited: High-performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas-Chromatography (GC), Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR).
  • Develop, implement, plan and conduct innovative engineering experiments for the valorization of wastes (biomass and plastics), developing standard operating procedures and safety protocols, as well as maintaining and troubleshooting instruments.
  • Synthesize and characterize transition metal-based solid catalysts using techniques such as XRD, Pyridine- and Ammonia-TPD, BET, ICP-OES, among others.

20% Reporting
  • Communicate scientific results effectively, both written and orally.
  • Author peer-reviewed publications.
  • Assist in writing grant proposals to achieve funding goals for future research.

15% Collaboration
  • Assist other laboratory members with experiments
  • Assist the principal investigator to provide experimental and technical supervision of one or more technician, graduate student and/or post-doctoral researchers and/or fellows.

5% Laboratory protocol
  • Develop standard operating procedures and safety protocols for laboratory
  • Ensuring systems are in place for efficient planning of lab supplies, records, and document management

Position Requirements

This position is required to work on-site.


Required Qualifications

  • PhD in chemical engineering, organic chemistry, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated research experience with an emphasis on, but not limited to, chemical process development and catalysis.
  • Demonstrated  experience in heterogeneous catalysis, zeolite synthesis and zeolite-supported transition metal catalyst synthesis.

    • 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

  • Experience using solid catalyst characterization tools, including, but not limited to XRD, Pyridine- and Ammonia-TPD, BET and ICP-OES.
  • Strong knowledge and expertise in analytical methods and instruments for biomass analysis, including compositional analysis protocols and the use of HPLC, GC, MS and NMR, among others.
  • Ability to perform statistical design of experiments and analyze large data sets using software such as Minitab, ASPEN, Mathematica, Matlab, R or equivalent
  • Experience in managing undergraduate students.
  • Excellent command of the English language, both orally and written.

    • Contact Information to Applicants

    Ana Colaco Morais, [email protected] 


    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.

    Application review begins on Nov. 29, 2021 and will continue until a successful candidate is identified.


    Advertised Salary Range

    $50,000 - commensurate with qualifications


    Application Review Begins

    29-Nov-2021


    Anticipated Start Date

    28-Feb-2022


    Primary Campus

    University of Kansas Lawrence Campus


    Employee Class

    U-Unclassified Professional Staff


    Conditions of Employment

    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 persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and are the Title IX coordinators for their respective campuses: Executive Director of the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], 1246 West Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY 9for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses); Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 4330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205, 913-588-8011, 711 TTY (for the Wichita, Salina, and Kansas City, Kansas medical center campuses).


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