Postdoctoral Researcher, ADM Pos-Chem - 24505BR

Postdoctoral Researcher, ADM Pos-Chem

Department: 
Ctr Enviro Benefical Catalysis
Location/Division: 
Outside KS/MO not listed
Work Location Assignment: 
On-Site
Reg/Temp: 
Regular
Employee Class: 
U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Position Overview

The KU Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis (CEBC) is accepting applications for postdoctoral research appointments for anticipated sponsored projects in collaboration with ADM. Postdocs will work predominantly in the ADM Lawrence Lab located at the KU Innovation Park. Projects are designed to afford close interaction of the postdocs with ADM research scientists/engineers between the ADM Lawrence Lab and the corporate research center in Decatur, IL.

Applications for postdoctoral scientists will be reviewed for consideration for a one-year appointment. After 6 months, extension of the contract for an additional year will be considered based upon satisfactory performance and available funding. The specific nature of the planned research projects is proprietary but may involve one or more of the six 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. Reaction engineering, including detailed modeling and experimental characterization of novel reactor designs, multi-phase catalytic systems, and complex reaction kinetics;
  2. Design, synthesis, and characterization of homogeneous, heterogeneous, and/or bio-catalysts for a wide variety of chemistries;
  3. Advanced spectroscopic measurements and surface science, including development of in situ or operando experiments;
  4. Theoretical chemistry and molecular modeling of reaction mechanisms, condensed phases, or novel porous materials;
  5. Engineering tunable solvents (e.g., supercritical fluids, gas-expanded liquids, and ionic liquids) as reaction media or for energy-efficient separations;
  6. Design and evaluation of chemical processes, including plant-scale simulations (Aspen/HYSYS), and environmental sustainability assessments (LCA).

Job Description

90%- Conduct laboratory research spanning from initial proof-of-concept through the optimized bench scale catalytic process, adequate for performing detailed environmental impact and economic evaluations.
5%- Participate in CEBC’s Lab Safety program and other professional development and educational outreach activities.

5%- Prepare reports of the results for the project sponsor, publications, and assist in securing intellectual property rights on inventions.

Position Requirements

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

Required Qualifications

  1. Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or closely related discipline
  2. Strong research history in a field or fields related to project sponsor’s needs
  3. Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills as evidenced by application materials and interview
  4. Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a research team as evidenced by previous experience.

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

  1. Substantial experience working as a member of a research team, particularly in projects related to catalysis, or chemistry of biomass or agricultural products
  2. Experience in supervising/mentoring other researchers (e.g. graduate interns, undergraduate scientists, etc.)
  3. Novel research proposal development, presentation and execution, including evaluating and summarizing the state-of-the-art in a particular area.

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 March 6, 2023, and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Contact Information to Applicants

Nancy Crisp, nancrisp@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

$55,000 commensurate with skills and experience.

Work Schedule

8-5 M-F; 40 hrs/wk

Application Review Begins

06-Mar-2023

Anticipated Start Date

15-May-2023

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Posting Information
Posting ID:
24505BR
Department:
Ctr Enviro Benefical Catalysis
Primary Campus:
Outside KS/MO not listed
Work Location Assignment:
On-Site
Reg/Temp:
Regular
Employee Class:
U-Unclassified Professional Staff
Application Review Begins:
06-Mar-2023