Postdoctoral Fellow I

Utah State University • Logan, UT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Green Catalysis Research Group, led by Professor Hua Song in the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering at Utah State University, seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow based in Logan, Utah. The fellow will develop catalysts and reaction processes for methane utilization and for converting renewable and waste feedstocks into fuels and chemicals. Research connects catalyst design and mechanistic understanding with reactor development and process performance. Depending on expertise, projects may include methane-assisted upgrading, nonthermal plasma catalysis, carbon dioxide conversion and mineralization, or integration of catalytic and biological processes. Opportunities may also include applying machine learning and automated experimentation to catalyst discovery and process optimization.

The fellow will help establish the laboratory and launch research activities at USU, working closely with Professor Song while developing an independent research profile. The position offers mentoring, opportunities to lead publications and contribute to proposals, and collaboration with academic and industrial partners. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience, with benefits in accordance with USU policies. The start date is negotiable. Applications will be reviewed as received until the position is filled.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Biological Engineering, or a closely related field, completed by the appointment start date.
• Research experience in experimental catalysis or reaction engineering, including catalyst preparation, characterization, or catalytic performance testing.
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, analyze quantitative data, and interpret results using chemical and engineering principles.
• Peer-reviewed publications relevant to the position and evidence of independent research contributions.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate, mentor students, and maintain a safe research environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with methane activation, C1 chemistry, or catalytic upgrading of biomass, bio-oils, waste oils, or heavy hydrocarbons.
• Experience with nonthermal plasma systems, plasma catalysis, or plasma-assisted bioconversion.
• Experience with high-pressure or continuous-flow reactors, reactor automation, or experimental system troubleshooting.
• Experience with advanced catalyst characterization, in situ or operando spectroscopy, reaction kinetics, or isotope tracing.
• Experience with gas chromatography, GC-MS, or complementary methods for gas and liquid product characterization.
• Experience with carbon dioxide conversion or mineralization, ionic liquids, methanotroph cultivation, or biocatalysis.
• Experience with Python or MATLAB, machine learning, automated experimentation, process simulation, or techno-economic and life-cycle assessment.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and characterize catalysts, and evaluate their activity, selectivity, stability, and regeneration under relevant reaction conditions.
• Develop and operate laboratory reactors for catalytic conversion, including gas handling, reaction control, sampling, and product analysis.
• Investigate reaction mechanisms and catalyst structure-performance relationships using kinetic studies and appropriate analytical methods.
• Analyze reaction products and establish material and carbon balances to guide catalyst selection and operating conditions.
• Assist with equipment specification, laboratory setup, instrument commissioning, and development of safe operating procedures.
• Prepare manuscripts, technical reports, conference presentations, and contributions to research proposals.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers and coordinate experiments with collaborators.
• Help establish the laboratory and launch research activities at USU.

Benefits

• Benefits in accordance with USU policies.
• Excellent benefits.
• Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment.

What This Job Offers

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