Post Doc Res Assoc

Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Utah seeks two highly motivated Postdoctoral Researchers to focus on solid oxide cells and catalytic systems. Applicants must possess a Ph.D. in a related field and have experience in catalyst design, synthesis, and characterization.

This role involves collaborative research, technical reporting, and publishing findings in high-impact journals. The initial appointment is for six months, potentially extendable based on performance and funding.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in solid oxide cells and catalysis.
• Experience in catalyst synthesis and materials characterization.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and publish research.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize advanced catalytic materials.
• Conduct catalytic performance testing and analyze reaction mechanisms.
• Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Solid oxide cells

Catalyst design

Materials characterization

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Utah plans to hire 2 highly motivated Postdoctoral Researchers to support solid oxide cells, catalyst design, synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation for advanced catalytic systems. The successful candidates will develop and optimize novel catalysts, conduct materials characterization and catalytic testing, analyze reaction mechanisms, prepare technical reports, publish high-impact journal articles, develop presentations for sponsor meetings, and contribute to system development while collaborating with a multidisciplinary research team.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, optimize, and characterize advanced catalytic materials.
• Conduct catalytic performance testing and analyze reaction mechanisms.
• Plan, execute, and document laboratory experiments while maintaining accurate research records.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical and analytical methods.
• Prepare technical reports, sponsor deliverables, and progress updates.
• Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present results at technical meetings.
• Develop presentation materials for project meetings, sponsor reviews, and technical briefings.
• Collaborate with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and project partners to achieve program milestones.
• Assist with mentoring graduate and undergraduate researchers in the laboratory.
• Support project management activities, including milestone tracking, documentation, and coordination with collaborators.
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment and ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor research requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field, with demonstrated experience in solid oxide cells, catalysis, catalyst synthesis, and materials characterization.

The initial appointment will be six months, with continued funding anticipated and the potential to extend the appointment for up to 40 months, contingent upon satisfactory performance and project funding.

Preferences

Three references are required (at least one from the Ph.D. advisor), and three first-author publications are also required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page. Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu. This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South. As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.