Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences - UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, IA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The successful applicant will work with PI Manuel Scharrer, Co-PI Fuhar Dixit, and an industry partner on experimental studies aimed at understanding and optimizing selective REE separation. The research will investigate how thermodynamic and chemical properties of REE-bearing phases and solutions influence precipitation and REE fractionation, with the goal of identifying conditions that can be applied to increasingly complex and realistic feed compositions. Research activities will include laboratory synthesis, precipitation experiments, calorimetric and other thermodynamic measurements, structural and elemental characterization, and quantitative analysis of experimental data. The researcher will use experimental results to develop and refine thermodynamic interpretations and models and to guide experimental optimization. The researcher will interact with project industry partners as appropriate to evaluate experimental results and their relevance to realistic REE processing conditions. The researcher will also work closely with a second postdoctoral researcher focused on engineering and prototype development under Co-PI Dixit, with the two research efforts informing one another throughout the project. The postdoctoral researcher will supervise undergraduate researchers involved in experimental research and characterization. The project is planned as a two-year effort. The position is initially offered for up to one year, with the expected renewal for a second year based on performance and continued funding.

Requirements

• Doctorate in chemistry, geoscience, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience conducting laboratory-based experimental research involving thermodynamics, chemical behavior, synthesis, characterization, or related areas.
• Ability to independently design and conduct experiments, analyze quantitative data, troubleshoot experimental procedures, and communicate scientific results.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with experimental thermodynamics, calorimetry, solution chemistry, and inorganic, mineral, or materials synthesis and characterization.
• Additional experience with techniques such as XRD, thermal analysis, electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, or other methods for structural and compositional characterization is desirable.
• Strong quantitative and data-analysis skills
• Ability to work with large experimental datasets
• Experience interpreting thermodynamic or phase-equilibrium data
• Ability to mentor or supervise undergraduate researchers
• A publication record in experimental thermodynamics, geochemistry, chemistry, mineralogy, materials science, or related fields, with experience conducting laboratory-based experimental research.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments related to REE synthesis, precipitation, and thermodynamic behavior.
• Perform calorimetric and other thermodynamic measurements and contribute to development of a predictive framework for REE fractionation.
• Conduct or coordinate structural and elemental characterization of experimental products.
• Analyze and interpret quantitative experimental data to identify trends and guide subsequent experiments.
• Apply thermodynamic concepts and models to interpret experimental results and support experimental optimization.
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate researchers involved in laboratory research.
• Work with the project team and industry partners as appropriate to connect fundamental experimental results with development and testing of the benchtop separation process.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and contribute to laboratory organization and safe operation.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific and technical meetings, as permitted under the project and applicable publication review requirements.

Benefits

• career development and coaching
• continued education
• development and training possibilities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree