Postdoc: Catalysis & Electrochemical Biomass Conversion

Iowa State University - College of Design; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate focused on catalysis and electrochemical conversion of biomass. You will design and test catalysts, analyze products with GC and GC-MS, and collaborate across groups to meet project milestones.

The role involves mentoring students, maintaining lab equipment, and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals. A start date in December 2026 is anticipated.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. completed before the start date in a closely related field.
• Hands-on synthesis of inorganic or hybrid materials with controlled composition and surface properties.
• Experience with materials characterization techniques and advanced data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and characterize heterogeneous catalysts and electrocatalysts.
• Develop GC and GC-MS methods to identify and quantify reaction products.
• Evaluate catalysts in batch, flow, and electrochemical reactor systems.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers and contribute to milestones.

Skills

Catalysis research

Materials synthesis

GC/GC-MS analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or closely related field

Tools

XRD

XPS

Electron microscopy

Physisorption/chemisorption methods

Job description

Iowa State University’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate focused on catalysis and electrochemical conversion of biomass. You will design and test catalysts, analyze products with GC and GC-MS, and collaborate across groups to meet project milestones.

The role involves mentoring students, maintaining lab equipment, and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals. A start date in December 2026 is anticipated.