Senior Research Engineer, Center for Energy and Environmental Resources in Cockrell School of Engineering
About The Position
The Senior Research Engineer manages an industry-funded research program involving laboratory- and pilot-scale separations equipment. The role conducts research that benefits and enhances the UT Process Science and Technology Center (PSTC), provides service to the separation technology community that reflects positively on PSTC and the University, and coordinates technical staff to maintain a high level of operating efficiency. The position develops and carries out research on industrial separations, including distillation, liquid/liquid extraction, and absorption; pursues industry and government funding; and helps upgrade PSTC experimental facilities. The incumbent also supports graduate and undergraduate researchers, analyzes and reports research findings, and shares results through publications and conference presentations. The role is based at the Pickle Research Campus. Work includes standard office conditions as well as potential exposure to elevated heights, varied weather and extreme temperatures, chemicals and fumes, and electrical and mechanical hazards. Personal protective equipment, including respirators, is furnished. The standard schedule is Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., and Friday, 7:30–11:30 a.m.; periodic evening and weekend work may be required.
Requirements
- Master of Science degree in chemical engineering or a related field.
- At least seven years of professional experience.
- Experience with laboratory- or pilot-scale distillation and/or other separation processes.
- Experience working in a dynamic environment with changing priorities.
- Experience interacting with federal and industry project sponsors and stakeholders and/or other customers.
- Experience securing support and funding for research projects.
Nice To Haves
- Ph.D. in chemical engineering or a related field, with a commensurate publication record.
- More than seven years of professional experience.
- Strong distillation background, with some experience in dividing-wall distillation, absorption and stripping, liquid extraction, heat transfer, mass transfer, and process equipment design.
Responsibilities
- Supervise pilot-plant technical staff, including a process engineer, instrumentation technician, and mechanical technician.
- Develop original proposals to use the pilot plant for research on industrial separations such as distillation, liquid/liquid extraction, and absorption, and solicit and obtain industry and government funding.
- Develop and implement pilot-plant research plans and help ensure experimental operations are conducted safely.
- Specify new equipment, prepare drawings, identify equipment suppliers and fabricators, procure equipment, and coordinate and schedule work with outside contractors as PSTC upgrades its experimental facilities.
- Stay current on pilot-plant instrumentation and process-control technologies and implement or assist with technologies that improve plant safety and monitoring.
- Stay current on extraction, distillation, and carbon dioxide absorption and stripping technologies.
- Analyze research data and prepare project reports.
- Prepare proposals and secure funding and equipment donations to enhance pilot-plant capabilities.
- Support and supervise graduate and undergraduate student researchers participating in PSTC activities.
- Prepare and submit publications to scientific and trade journals and deliver technical presentations at conferences.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Competitive health benefits, with employee premiums covered at 100% and family premiums at 50%.
- Voluntary vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options.
- Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
- Teachers Retirement System of Texas defined-benefit retirement plan with 7.75% employer matching funds.
- Additional voluntary retirement programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and Deferred Compensation program 457(b).
- Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses.
- Free LinkedIn Learning training access and professional conference opportunities.
- Tuition assistance.
- Employee discount program, including athletic tickets.
- Free access to UT Austin libraries and museums with a staff ID card.
- Free rides on UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with a staff ID card.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
