Postdoctoral Research Associate at Illinois Sustainable Technology Center
University of Illinois Urban-Champaign
The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC: https://www.istc.illinois.edu/) invites applications for postdoctoral and post-Master research associate positions. We are seeking qualified and motivated researchers to join a project team aimed at advancing the characterization of coal combustion residual (CCR) effluents. The researchers will collaborate with a strong cohort of staff, postdocs, and students at the Prairie Research Institute (PRI: https://prairie.illinois.edu/) and University of Illinois Urban-Champaign.
Responsibilities:
The researcher will primarily focus on developing analytical methods for major cations, anions, trace metals, and rare earth elements (REE) in CCR effluents. Desired expertise includes inorganic analytical chemistry, sample enrichment/separation, spectroscopic analytical instrumentation, and processing of REE and critical minerals (CM).
Required qualifications:
• PhD in analytical chemistry or a related field in the physical and chemical sciences, or a master's degree with a minimum of 3 years of relevant working experience, showcasing demonstrated expertise in instrumental method development and analysis.
- Experience with fluorescent sensors, optical spectroscopy, and use of fluorophores and chromophores for the detection of metal ions in solutions.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment.
Preferred Attributes:
• Experience with spectrofluorometer, inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and ion chromatography (IC).
• Sample solid phase extraction (SPE) and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE).
• Experience with REE and CM extraction, separation, recovery, and purification processes
The positions are available for multiple years, with annual renewal subject to funding availability, individual progress, and career goals. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility environment (DEIA), and candidates from underrepresented sectors and society are especially encouraged to apply. Prospective candidates may email the following materials to John Scott (zhewang@illinois.edu) and Linduo Zhao (zhao117@illinois.edu) with the subject line “Wastewater Characterization Postdoc”: brief cover letter, curriculum vitae, names and contact information for three references. Application review will commence immediately and continue until positions are filled. The start date for these positions is as soon as possible.