Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrochemical Engineering

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrochemical Engineering to advance NOx electrooxidation and electrolyzer development under the DARPA program. The role involves catalyst and electrode development, reactor design and optimization, and analytical evaluation of products to enhance nitrate and nitric acid production.

The successful candidate will synthesize and characterize carbon-based electrodes, evaluate electrochemical reactions in flow-cell systems, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in electrochemistry and electrocatalysis.
• Experience with carbon-based electrodes and catalysts.
• Experience with flow-cell systems.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as NMR, UV-Vis, HPLC-MS, GC-MS, and/or DEMS.

Responsibilities

• Support DARPA NOx electrooxidation and electrolyzer development research.
• Develop catalysts and electrodes; design and optimize reactors.
• Analyze products and quantify using NMR, UV-Vis, HPLC-MS, GC-MS, DEMS.
• Synthesize and characterize carbon-based electrodes and catalysts.
• Collaborate in a team to advance electrochemical technology.

Skills

Electrochemistry

Electrocatalysis

Materials synthesis

Characterization

Carbon-based electrodes

Flow-cell systems

Analytical techniques

Education

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

Tools

NMR

UV-Vis

HPLC-MS

GC-MS

DEMS

Job description

Position Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electrochemical Engineering

Appointment Type

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support research focused on NOx electrooxidation and electrolyzer development as part of the DARPA program. The successful candidate will advance innovative electrochemical technologies through catalyst and electrode development, reactor design and optimization, and analytical evaluation of reaction products to enhance nitrate and nitric acid production processes.

The research will involve synthesizing and characterizing carbon-based electrodes and catalysts, evaluating electrochemical reactions in flow-cell systems, optimizing electrode structure and reaction environments to improve product yield, and performing product quantification using analytical techniques such as NMR, UV-Vis, HPLC-MS, GC-MS, and DEMS.

The successful candidate will be a self-motivated researcher with a strong desire to pursue scientific and technical breakthroughs, possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, and demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.

Required Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, materials synthesis, and characterization.
• Experience synthesizing and characterizing carbon-based electrodes and catalysts.
• Experience evaluating electrochemical reactions in flow-cell systems.
• Ability to optimize electrode structure and reaction environments to improve product yield.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as NMR, UV-Vis, HPLC-MS, GC-MS, and/or DEMS.

Department/Program & College Description

This is where you can impact the world in countless ways - because chemical engineering is involved with nearly every aspect of your life. Foods. Fuels. Renewable energy. Consumer products of all kinds. Medical and health care technology, and more. Discover how many ways your career in the making can start here!

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:

• 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 AccountsVarious 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.

Job Details

Proposed Start Date: January 1, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period

Time Type: Full time

Pay Grade: Post Docs

Original Posting Date: October 6, 2026

Posting Close Date: October 20, 2026

Job Requisition Number: R20055

Equal Opportunity Statement

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail] .

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.