Postdoctoral Research Associate – Catalysis and Electrochemical Conversion of Biomass

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

3d

About The Position

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Iowa State University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate for a multidisciplinary, milestone-driven program converting lignocellulosic biomass into chemicals and fuels. The successful candidate will join Professor Tessonnier’s research group and work with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty collaborators, and a national laboratory partner.

The researcher will design, synthesize, and characterize heterogeneous catalysts and electrocatalysts, including metal alloys, non-precious metal catalysts, and mixed metal oxides. They will investigate relationships between catalyst composition and structure and catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability. The role also involves developing and implementing GC and GC-MS analytical methods using FID, TCD, and MS detectors to identify and quantify reaction products, including lignin-derived phenolic compounds in aqueous mixtures and permanent gases. Catalysts will be evaluated in batch, flow, and electrochemical reactor systems.

Additional duties include maintaining shared instrumentation; training and mentoring graduate and undergraduate researchers; preparing technical reports and presentations; contributing to project milestones and deliverables; and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals. The appointment is full-time and is scheduled to begin December 16, 2026.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related field, completed before the start date.
• Hands-on experience synthesizing inorganic or hybrid materials, including metal and metal-alloy nanoparticles, metal oxide and mixed-oxide catalysts, and supported catalysts.
• Ability to control material composition, structure, and surface properties.
• Experience with materials characterization and advanced data analysis, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron microscopy, physisorption and chemisorption methods, and vibrational spectroscopy.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with GC and GC-MS analysis of organic compounds, including method development, calibration, and quantification.
• Experience analyzing lignin-derived or other phenolic compounds, or organic compounds in aqueous samples.
• Experience in heterogeneous catalysis or electrocatalysis, including catalyst evaluation in batch or flow reactors and electrochemical techniques such as voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and bulk electrolysis.
• Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting analytical instruments, with an interest in data-driven or automated experimentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively through written reports, oral presentations, manuscripts, and interdisciplinary team discussions; mentor students; maintain accurate laboratory records; and meet project milestones.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and characterize heterogeneous catalysts and electrocatalysts, including metal alloys, non-precious metal catalysts, and mixed metal oxides.
• Investigate relationships between catalyst composition and structure and catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability.
• Develop and implement GC and GC-MS analytical methods using FID, TCD, and MS detectors to identify and quantify reaction products.
• Analyze reaction products, including lignin-derived phenolic compounds in aqueous mixtures and permanent gases.
• Evaluate catalysts in batch, flow, and electrochemical reactor systems.
• Work with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty collaborators, and a national laboratory partner.
• Maintain shared instrumentation.
• Train and mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations.
• Contribute to project milestones and deliverables.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Benefits

• Medical and dental benefits
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare in Ames, Iowa
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• WorkFlex options for some positions

What This Job Offers

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