URA Photocapacitative/Electrocatalytic Nitrate Removal System (PENRS) Research Associate (RA)

University of Texas at Austin

146d • $17 - $18

About The Position

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Research Associate (RA) for the URA Photocapacitative/Electrocatalytic Nitrate Removal System (PENRS) project. This position is part of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and is open to all applicants. The RA will conduct research to develop, test, and evaluate a novel renewable-energy-powered device that captures nitrate from waste streams and converts it into nitrogen and valuable chemicals such as ammonia. The research integrates photocapacitive concentration and electrocatalytic conversion to create an efficient, low-cost nitrate treatment platform aimed at overcoming socioeconomic barriers to nitrogen management technologies in industries and resource-limited communities.

Requirements

• Current UT student obtaining an undergraduate or graduate/master’s degree.
• 1 year of experience in conducting research, writing reports, and copyediting.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

• Current Undergraduate student at UT Austin.

Responsibilities

• Review literature on the potential benefits and barriers regarding the environmental, social, economic, risk, and community impacts of conventional nitrate treatment systems.
• Work with other research staff at UT-Austin to identify the opportunities and risks of the novel PENRS system.
• Visit US communities with severe nitrate pollution problems to understand the potential for implementation of PENRS systems in the field.
• Assess the sustainability and scalability of the PENRS system for real-world applications.
• Obtain information via stakeholder interviews, focus groups, surveys, and video documentaries.

Benefits

• UTSaver voluntary retirement programs available for students.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees