Postdoc: Plasma Reactor & Catalyst Innovation

University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Iowa’s Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar to join Dr. Zhe (Andy) Wang’s group in Iowa City.

The role centers on developing a system to produce nitric acid from air, water, and electricity using non-equilibrium plasma, plasmonic catalysis, thermal conversion, and electrochemical steps. The successful candidate will conduct experimental plasma reactor work, validate processes, and contribute to prototype

Qualifications

• Substantial hands-on experimental experience designing, assembling, operating, or troubleshooting laboratory-scale reactor, plasma, or related experimental systems.
• Experience working with relevant experimental hardware, such as vacuum systems, gas-handling systems, high-voltage equipment, plasma sources, or electrochemical systems.
• Experience with quantitative measurement and analysis of chemical reaction or reactor performance using at least one relevant method, such as optical spectroscopy, plasma diagnostics, gas analysis, gas chromatography, or mass spectrometry.
• Demonstrated research productivity and effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team.

Responsibilities

• Commission, operate, and troubleshoot plasma reactor systems.
• Characterize plasma conditions using optical and electrical diagnostics and relate plasma properties to reaction performance.
• Integrate plasma sources with catalyst beds and evaluate plasma–catalyst reactor performance.
• Contribute to reactor design reviews, prototype troubleshooting, and the fabrication and integration of scaled-up modules.
• Maintain careful experimental documentation and contribute to technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers and contribute to a collaborative and safety-conscious laboratory environment.

Skills

Experimental design

Plasma diagnostics

Laboratory operations

High-voltage systems

Data analysis

Technical communication

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Vacuum systems

Gas-handling systems

Plasma sources

Optical spectroscopy

Mass spectrometry

Job description

The University of Iowa’s Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar to join Dr. Zhe (Andy) Wang’s group in Iowa City.

The role centers on developing a system to produce nitric acid from air, water, and electricity using non-equilibrium plasma, plasmonic catalysis, thermal conversion, and electrochemical steps. The successful candidate will conduct experimental plasma reactor work, validate processes, and contribute to prototype