Postdoctoral Researcher


Position Overview

The Corson Lab at the KU Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis (CEBC) is currently accepting applications for a postdoctoral research appointment for a project related to (photo)electrochemical conversion of small molecules.

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 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. (Photo)electrochemical conversion controlled by a potentiostat with on-line gaseous product analysis (GC) and ex situ liquid product analysis (NMR, colorometric, IC, HPLC, etc.).
  2. Advanced spectroscopic measurements (IR and Raman) during in situ electrocatalysis.
  3. Synchrotron X-ray experiments during in situ electrocatalysis.
  4. Write code (Python or similar) to analyze large data sets of spectroscopic and X-ray data. Statistically analyze data for goodness of fit to models from computational collaborators.
  5. Electrode fabrication (electro)chemical deposition, sputtering, e-beam evaporation, etc.) and characterization (SEM, XPS, XRD, AFM, UV-vis, etc.)
  6. Design (CAD) and construction of novel electrochemical reactors to enable in situ experiments.

Job Description

70% - Conduct fundamental research on (photo)electrochemical conversion of small molecules.

20% - Actively engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, communicating frequently with research groups and researchers at academic institutions and national labs. 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, seminars, committees, etc.)

Position Requirements

Work location statements - This position is required to work on-site.

Required Qualifications

  1. PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or closely related discipline.
  2. Six months experience with strong research history in a field or fields related to the aforementioned research areas.
  3. Three months experience writing code (Python or similar) to analyze large data sets. Analysis may include processing raw data (background subtraction, normalization, filtering, etc.), curve fitting, and statistical analysis. Include a description in the cover letter.
  4. Demonstrated effective written communication skills, as evidenced through application materials.
  5. 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 of the appointment will be extended to its full duration.

Preferred Qualifications

  1. Completion of computer science courses or workshops.

Additional Candidate Instructions

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 Monday, May 20th, 2024 and will continue until a pool of qualified candidates is obtained.

Contact Information to Applicants

Nancy Crisp, nancrisp@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

Up to $60,000, commensurate with skills and experience.

Work Schedule

8am-5pm Monday- Friday (40 hours/week)

Application Review Begins

Monday May 20, 2024

Anticipated Start Date

Tuesday July 2, 2024

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Posting Information

  • Posting ID:  27824BR
  • Department:  Ctr Enviro Benefical Catalysis
  • Primary Campus:  University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
  • Assignment:  On-Site
  • Reg/Temp:  Regular
  • Employee Class:  U-Unclassified Professional Staff
  • Review Begins:  20-May-2024

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