Position Overview

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

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

Design, synthesis, and characterization of homogeneous and/or heterogeneous catalysts for a wide variety of chemistries;

Engineering tunable solvents (e.g., supercritical fluids, gas-expanded liquids, and ionic liquids) as reaction media or for energy-efficient separations;

Molecular modeling of reaction mechanisms, condensed phases, or novel porous materials;

Design and evaluation of chemical processes, including plant-scale simulations (Aspen/HYSYS), and environmental sustainability assessments (LCA);

Advanced spectroscopic measurements and surface science;

Analytical chemistry, especially as it relates to biomass-derived feedstocks and reaction mixtures.

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.

Required Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or 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.


**The Research Associate position additionally requires a minimum of 3 years postdoctoral research or industry research experience in a related field.**


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

Substantial experience working as a member of a research team, particularly in projects related to biomass conversions (chemo-catalytic), catalytic oxidations, hydroformylation, hydrogenolysis, ozonolysis and solid acid catalysis.

Supervisory experience.

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