Postdoctoral Research Associate - Catalysis and Electrochemical Conversion of Biomass

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary program focusing on catalytic and electrochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass. The role involves designing and evaluating catalysts, and contributing to milestones in collaboration with a national laboratory partner.

The candidate will develop and apply advanced characterization methods (XRD, XPS, EM) and GC/GC-MS analytics to study catalysts in various reactor systems, mentoring students and

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Materials Science and Engineering.
• Hands-on synthesis of inorganic or hybrid materials and catalysts.
• Experience with materials characterization techniques such as XRD, XPS, EM, and related methods.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and characterize heterogeneous catalysts and electrocatalysts.
• Investigate relationships between catalyst composition, structure, activity, selectivity and stability.
• Develop GC and GC-MS analytical methods to identify and quantify products.
• Evaluate catalysts in batch, flow, and electrochemical reactor systems.
• Collaborate with graduate students and staff; contribute to milestones; publish results.

Skills

Catalysis research

Electrochemistry

Materials synthesis

Materials characterization

Spectroscopy

Data analysis

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering/ Chemistry/ Materials Science and Engineering

Tools

GC

GC-MS

XRD

XPS

Electron microscopy

Job description

Position Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Catalysis and Electrochemical Conversion of Biomass

Appointment Type

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Iowa State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary, milestone-driven research program focused on the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into chemicals and fuels. The successful candidate will join the research group of Professor Tessonnier.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will design, synthesize, and characterize heterogeneous catalysts and electrocatalysts, including metal alloys, non-precious metal catalysts, and mixed metal oxides. The successful candidate will investigate relationships between catalyst composition, structure, activity, selectivity, and stability.

Responsibilities include developing and implementing GC and GC-MS analytical methods (FID, TCD, and MS detectors) to identify and quantify reaction products, including lignin-derived phenolic compounds in aqueous mixtures and permanent gases. The candidate will evaluate catalysts in batch, flow, and electrochemical reactor systems.

The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty collaborators, and a national laboratory partner. Additional responsibilities include maintaining shared instrumentation; training and mentoring graduate and undergraduate researchers; preparing technical reports and presentations; contributing to project milestones and deliverables; and publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related field, completed before the start date.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in the synthesis of inorganic or hybrid materials, including metal and metal-alloy nanoparticles, metal oxide and mixed-oxide catalysts, and supported catalysts, with the ability to control composition, structure, and surface properties.
• Experience with materials characterization techniques and advanced data analysis, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron microscopy, physisorption and chemisorption methods, and vibrational spectroscopy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with gas chromatography (GC) and GC-MS analysis of organic compounds, including method development, calibration, and quantification. Experience analyzing lignin-derived or other phenolic compounds, or organic compounds in aqueous samples, is preferred.
• Experience in heterogeneous catalysis or electrocatalysis, including catalyst evaluation in batch or flow reactors and electrochemical techniques such as voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and bulk electrolysis.
• Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting analytical instruments, with an interest in data-driven or automated experimentation.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written reports, oral presentations, manuscripts, and interdisciplinary team discussions; mentor students; maintain accurate laboratory records; and meet project milestones.

Department/Program & College Description

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Iowa State University is a nationally recognized program with strengths in catalysis, renewable energy, biorenewables, advanced materials, biomedical engineering, and computational modeling. The department fosters a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities and strong partnerships with industry, government laboratories, and academic institutions.

Department Unit/Website

Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering - College of Engineering, Iowa State University

Why Choose Iowa State University?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

Proposed Start Date

December 16, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year

12 Month Work Period