Post-Doctoral Scholar - Carbon Materials/CAER

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) is seeking one or more postdoctoral scholars to advance materials science focused on carbon materials, electrodes, and energy storage. The role involves hands-on processing, characterization, and close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.

Successful candidates will have a PhD in a relevant field, strong publication records, and the ability to work independently while contributing to team projects within CAER’s

Qualifications

• Advanced education in materials or chemical engineering or related fields.
• PhD is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation and maintenance of research environment and equipment.
• Construct, assemble, install, operate, calibrate, test, modify, and maintain process equipment and analytical apparatus.
• Procurement, storage, logging of supplies and equipment; handling of raw materials and samples.
• Data collection, storage, analysis, and plotting; maintain up-to-date lab records.
• Contribute to scholarly reports, abstracts, manuscripts, and proposals.
• Support safety and proper use of tools and analytical equipment.

Skills

Carbon materials processing

Coal liquefaction

Battery fabrication

Lab records

Research writing

Education

PhD

Tools

SEM

XPS

Pycnometry

Job description

Requisition Number

Requisition Number DU15041

Department Name

Work Location

Work Location Lexington, KY

Salary Range

Salary Range $61,008/year

Type of Position

Type of Position Temporary

Position Time Status

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education

PhD

Required Related Experience

n/a

Required License/Registration/Certification

n/a

Physical Requirements

lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 10 lbs;

Shift

Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm (40 hours/week)

Job Summary

Over the past 30 years the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research [ CAER ] has established an outstanding research program directed to high-value carbon materials, including:

• 1. Materials derived from coal and petroleum resources such as pitches, binders, cokes, activated carbons, fibers, graphite, nano-carbons, etc.
• 2. Carbons and graphite for energy storage
• 3. Polymer-derived fibers and composites & carbon/carbon composites
• 4. Unique high‑temperature characterization of these materials

CAER is staffing up its Carbon Materials program in response to several supported projects, and seeks one or more postdoctoral scholars. The successful candidate(s) will join a team with primary responsibilities focused on one or more of the following:

• a) carrying out process trials for coal liquefaction, distillations and processing of mesophase pitch, including melt spinning of pitches and coking processing.
• b) systematic characterizations of carbon materials, with focus on the effects of temperature and environment on material properties
• c) high temperature graphitization processing and milling/classification processing
• d) polymer matrix and carbon/carbon composites processing and characterization
• e) melt and solution spinning process trials to produce precursor fiber, followed by its conversion to carbon fiber and characterization
• f) Li ion, Na ion and related energy storage device fabrication and characterization, with emphasis on carbon & graphitic electrodes

In addition to materials processing, the successful candidate(s) will work closely within the respective team, and with the research group and collaborators, conducting a variety of materials characterization techniques including polarized optical microscopy, SEM , x‑ray scattering, gas pycnometry & density gradient column analysis, LFA thermal diffusivity, single filament tensile testing, dilatometry for CTE , battery cell fabrication & cycling analyses, XPS , and several additional chemical, structural, mechanical, thermal and electrical property analyses of experimental materials.

Applicants for the position will preferably have advanced education and experience in materials or chemical engineering (or related), and high priority for safety. Additionally, preferred applicants will have strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated record of teamwork, adaptability, innovation and initiative; and the ability to work well with all levels of personnel throughout CAER’s laboratories. A reliable and dedicated work ethic is expected and required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Equipment and Supplies: Assist in the preparation and maintenance of research environment and equipment, including cleaning and set‑up duties. Constructs, assembles, installs, operates, calibrates, tests, modifies, and maintains process equipment and analytical apparatus. Responsible for procurement, storage, logging of supplies and equipment. Responsible for handling, identification, packaging and storage of raw materials and samples. Assist in the cleaning and maintenance of lab supplies and equipment.
• Laboratory and Experimental Research: Responsible for collection of data, data storage, and contributes to analysis and interpretation of results, including taking samples, making identifications and taking measurements, and collecting, recording, and coding/ plotting data and analyzing data. Maintains adequate up to date log books and other records. Monitors quality and reproducibility of data, identifies problem areas, and institutes repeats/checks where necessary.
• Results and Scholarly Output: Contributes to the preparation of scholarly reports, abstracts, manuscripts, articles, technical reviews, invention disclosures, and proposal submissions.
• Instruction and Service: May be involved in the instruction and training of other students and employees, and providing technical services for the general public, government, industry and academic organizations.
• Occupational Safety: Maintains clean and safe working area and follows and prosecutes safety procedures. Stays up to date on appropriate use of tools, instruments, computers and analytical apparatus.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Independent, disciplined researchers with a strong publication and presentation track record are preferred. Experience in independently conducting publication quality research expediently is a critical component. Specific skills that are desired include:

• 1. Knowledge of fiber and carbon materials processing and characterization
• 2. Knowledge of coal liquefaction, distillation, pitch processing, coking
• 3. Knowledge of battery fabrication and characterization
• 4. The ability to record and keep accurate lab records and data
• 5. Knowledge of the form and style of research writing and presentation – including reporting to federal sponsors and drafting research manuscripts for publication.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 09/30/2026

Our University Community

We value the well‑being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre‑employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Curriculum Vita

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