Post Doctoral Scholar

University of Central Florida • Orlando, FL

1d • $57,000

About The Position

As a next-generation public research institute, we are an inclusive community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to shape the future and solve the world’s most challenging problems. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role in pushing us forward to become among the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with uniquely talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges, and multiple campuses and regional locations. That means greater challenges to tackle, more meaningful opportunities to grow, and rewarding experiences that go beyond a paycheck. We’re seeking qualified, motivated individuals who will help UCF fulfill its mission of unleashing the potential of every individual, enriching the human experience through inclusion, discovery, and innovation; and propelling broad-based prosperity for the many communities we serve. College of Engineering and Computer Science: The UCF College of Engineering and Computer Science is among the nation's largest producers of engineering and technology workforce talent and we are the No. 1 provider of graduates to the defense and aerospace industries. We have more than 40 degree and certificate programs within the college and are continuing to grow. Our students, faculty, and alumni address society's greatest challenges and aspirations in aerospace, computing, energy, the environment, healthcare, transportation, and more. Our education and research efforts are supported by a strong neighboring industry presence such as L3Harris Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Duke Energy, Siemens, Walt Disney World, and NASA, to name a few. The Opportunity : The University of Central Florida (UCF) department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering invites enthusiastic applications from highly motivated and talented individuals for a Postdoctoral Scholar position with focus on experimental testing of high-temperature materials, solar receivers, and thermochemical reactors. The Post Doctoral Scholar will be supported by a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) funded three-year project, focusing on the design and lab-scale testing of high-temperature thermochemical reactors for solar and other renewable energy conversion and storage. The scholar will co-lead a collaborative research team with members from three universities, one clean energy start-up company, and a DOE national laboratory (Sandia) for a prototype reactor development and demonstration. The scholar will also help Dr. Li organize group meetings, co-mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and publish high-impact scientific journal articles and conference papers.

Requirements

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, or a very closely aligned field.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in studying fluid-solid interactions, reactive material reduction/oxidation kinetics, and high-temperature radiation transfer is highly desired.
• Experience in studying material reactivity at high temperature using TGA/DSC or mass spectrometer is highly desired.
• Experience in designing and operating thermal/fluid systems using high-temperature furnaces is desired.
• Experience with material characterization such as XRD, SEM, micro-CT scan etc. is desired.
• Expertise in experimental design and testing of high-temperature materials and energy systems such as solar receivers, chemical reactors, or heat exchangers.
• A team player that is able to work together with external collaborators on chemical reactor design, model validation, and reactor scale-up, and possess good oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Co-lead a collaborative research team with members from three universities, one clean energy start-up company, and a DOE national laboratory (Sandia) for a prototype reactor development and demonstration.
• Help Dr. Li organize group meetings
• Co-mentor graduate and undergraduate students
• Publish high-impact scientific journal articles and conference papers.

Benefits

• Benefits packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off, including annual and sick leave and paid holidays
• Retirement savings options
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions
• Education assistance
• Flexible work environment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees