Research Associate in Chemical Engineering

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A postdoctoral position is available in heterogeneous catalysis at the University of Virginia under Professor Ayman Karim starting August 11, 2025. This role involves research on selective hydrogenation catalysis, developing catalysts, mentoring students, and contributing to scientific productivity. The candidate will use advanced techniques for catalyst characterization and measurements, and will have opportunities for independent research and collaboration.

Qualifications

• PhD required by start date.
• Extensive experience in heterogeneous catalysis.
• Strong track record of scientific productivity.

Responsibilities

• Develop catalyst synthesis methods.
• Characterize catalysts using spectroscopic techniques.
• Conduct detailed kinetic measurements.

Skills

Heterogeneous catalysis

Kinetic measurements

Catalyst characterization

Strong oral and written communication skills

Education

PhD in chemistry, physical chemistry, or chemical engineering

Tools

Infrared spectroscopy

XRD

BET measurements

Gas chemisorption

Temperature programmed reduction

Temperature programmed oxidation

Job description

A postdoctoral position in heterogeneous catalysis, is available starting in August 11 2025, under the direction of Professor Ayman Karim in the Department of Chemical Engineering.

The selected candidate will conduct research on selective hydrogenation catalysis on supported metal single atoms and subnanometer clusters. The work is focused on building structure activity relations through controlled catalyst synthesis, kinetic measurements and characterization using multiple in-situ techniques including calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, and x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAFS). In addition to independent experimental studies, there will be opportunities to train and to mentor graduate students within the Karim group.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop catalyst synthesis methods.
• Characterize the catalysts using conventional and spectroscopic techniques (see required and desired qualifications above).
• Detailed kinetic measurements.
• Develop experimental protocols for calorimetry measurements of the catalysts.
• To produce manuscripts to disseminate performed research.
• To attend, contribute and present in National and International Meetings.
• To provide guidance to students in the research group.
• To assist in developing new research directions and in writing proposals.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in chemistry, physical chemistry, chemical engineering or related field is required by the start date.
• Extensive experience in heterogeneous catalysis including catalyst synthesis, kinetic measurements and catalyst characterization using infrared spectroscopy and other conventional techniques (e.g. XRD, BET measurements, gas chemisorption, temperature programmed reduction and oxidation).
• Strong track record of scientific productivity and publications.
• Experience managing more than 1 project simultaneously.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with others.

Desired Qualifications:

1. Experience working with a glovebox.

2. Experience with calorimetry.

3. Experience with XAFS measurements and data analysis.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply at https://jobs.virginia.edu/us/en/job/R0072420 and attach a cover letter indicating research interests, a detailed curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the CV box. Make sure to upload all the documents to complete your application.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on May 23, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This is a one-year appointment that may be renewed for up to two additional one-year terms, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Professor Ayman Karim at [e-mail] .

For questions about the application process, please contact Richard Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at [e-mail].

For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.