Post Doctoral Research Associate

New Jersey Institute of Technology; Campus (IL); On-site; USD 57,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

New Jersey Institute of Technology seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a strong background in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or environmental science to study EV battery recycling, reuse, and remanufacturing.

The project focuses on evaluating EPR readiness, mapping regional end‑of‑life infrastructure, and proposing strategies to support sustainable battery management in New Jersey and the Northeast.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical or Environmental Engineering, Materials Science, Environmental Science, Sustainability Management, or related discipline.
• Strong understanding of battery chemistry (Li-ion) and recycling technologies or management and economics.
• Proven track record of publishing peer‑reviewed literature and presenting technical data.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate EOL pathways and recycling technologies for safety and efficiency.
• Assess how evolving battery chemistries affect regional recycling needs.
• Gather and analyze data from manufacturers, recyclers, and regulators.
• Coordinate with regional stakeholders to align with environmental goals.
• Synthesize findings into technical reports, policy briefs, and publications.
• Help develop a blueprint for regional infrastructure development and bottleneck mitigation.

Skills

Battery chemistry

Scientific writing

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in a relevant field

Job description

Post Doctoral Research Associate

Reports To

Dean CSLA

Position Summary

New Jersey Institute of Technology is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate, one candidate with a substantial background in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or environmental science and sustainability to understand science and technology in EV battery recycling, reuse, and remanufacturing. The successful candidates will join a multidisciplinary team conducting a regional needs assessment for electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) battery recycling, reuse, and remanufacturing. The role focuses on evaluating industry readiness for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), mapping regional end-of-life (EOL) infrastructure, and identifying strategies to support sustainable battery management in New Jersey and the Northeast.

Core Objectives

• EPR & Policy Assessment:
  • Evaluate battery producers' current policies, practices, and approaches toward embracing EPR frameworks for battery EOL management.
• Infrastructure Mapping:
  • Identify essential business entities and processing facilities inside and outside New Jersey to draft a preliminary regional infrastructure framework.
• Impact & Strategy Development:
  • Identify current infrastructure limitations, formulate strategies to support regional capacity development, and assess the broader social, economic, and regulatory impacts.

Essential Functions

• Technical & Scientific Analysis:
  • Evaluate the technical viability, safety, and efficiency of various EOL pathways (e.g., hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, direct recycling, and remanufacturing).
  • Asses how evolving battery chemistries impact regional recycling infrastructure and processing requirements.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Data Collection:
  • Gather and analyze data from battery manufacturers, recyclers, and regulatory bodies regarding EOL management practices.
  • Coordinate with regional stakeholders and public agencies to ensure alignment with state environmental and waste management goals.
• Reporting & Framework Design:
  • Synthesize findings into technical reports, policy briefs, and peer-reviewed publications.
  • Assist in developing a blueprint for regional infrastructure development and bottleneck mitigation.

Pre-Requisite Qualifications

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical or Environmental Engineering, Materials Science, Environmental Science, Sustainability Management, or a related discipline.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Strong understanding of battery chemistry (specifically Lithium-ion) and chemical processing/recycling technologies or management and economics
• Communication:
  • Proven track record of publishing peer-reviewed literature and presenting technical data to diverse audiences.

Department

Chemistry and Environmental Science

At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Union

United Council of Academic @ NJIT (UCAN GSRE)

Range

Post Docs

Compensation

$63,480.00

NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, or other items. To learn more about the comprehensive benefits NJIT offers for this position, please visit our benefits page: https://hr.njit.edu/health-benefits.

Flsa

Exempt

Time Type

Full time

Pay Rate

Salary

Additional Information

As an EEO employer NJIT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive teaching, research, and working environment and strongly encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women.

Employment at NJIT is subject to the provisions of New Jersey First Act which mandates new employees, who are not NJ residents, to establish primary residence in New Jersey within one year of their appointment to certain positions. The law does not apply to any individual employed at NJIT on a temporary or per semester basis as a visiting or adjunct professor, teacher, lecturer, researcher or administrator. For more information on the act please click here.

If special accommodations are needed in applying for a position, please visit the Department of Human Resources located in Fenster Hall, 5th Floor, University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102 or call [phone]. If you have questions, please email the Human Resources Department at [e-mail].

Information regarding NJIT campus security, personal safety, and fire safety including topics such as, disciplinary procedures, crime prevention, NJIT Police law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, and crime statistics for the most recent three year period is available on the NJIT Department of Public Safety here.

NJIT is an E-Verify employer and uses E-Verify to confirm work authorization of each new hire.