Postdoctoral Research Associate – Catalysis and Electrochemical Conversion of Biomass

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

5d

About The Position

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Iowa State University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate for a multidisciplinary, milestone-driven research program focused on converting lignocellulosic biomass into chemicals and fuels. The successful candidate will join Professor Tessonnier’s research group.

The role involves designing, synthesizing, and characterizing heterogeneous catalysts and electrocatalysts, including metal alloys, non-precious metal catalysts, and mixed metal oxides. The researcher will investigate relationships between catalyst composition, structure, activity, selectivity, and stability. They will develop and implement GC and GC-MS analytical methods to identify and quantify reaction products, including lignin-derived phenolic compounds in aqueous mixtures and permanent gases, and evaluate catalysts in batch, flow, and electrochemical reactor systems.

The postdoctoral researcher will collaborate with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty collaborators, and a national laboratory partner. 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.

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, with the ability to control composition, structure, and surface properties.
• Experience with materials characterization techniques 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 in 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, structure, activity, selectivity, and stability.
• Develop and implement GC and GC-MS analytical methods to identify and quantify 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

• Comprehensive 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: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree