Postdoctoral Research Associate
Illinois Sustainable Technology Center
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. ISTC integrates applied research, technical assistance, and information services to advance efforts in the areas of pollution prevention; water and energy conservation; and materials recycling and beneficial reuse. ISTC is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Learn more at https://prairie.illinois.edu/about/jobs/
The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO
ISTC is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research related to emerging chemical contaminants, e.g., pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and/or disinfection by-products (DBPs). In particular, there is interest in developing new treatment/mitigation systems using combinations of biochar and hydrothermal conversion processes to destruct these emerging contaminants. Position is based in Champaign, Illinois.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Conduct laboratory experiments for proof of scientific concepts related to research topics.
- Analyze emerging contaminants in a variety of environmental samples.
- Produce the designer biochar for contaminant sorption.
- Develop hydrothermal treatment techniques for contaminant destruction.
- Review and interpret research results to assure validity and quality control.
- Provide technical content for project reports and write scientific articles.
- Attend, participate in, and contribute to professional meetings, conferences, and workshops.
- Keep abreast of development in this discipline.
- Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and University.
Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. with an interest and expertise in chemistry or chemical engineering, environmental science or engineering, agriculture and biological engineering, materials, or related discipline. Alternate degrees or degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the candidate’s experience at it relates to this position. Employment as a post-doctoral research associate requires the completion of a Ph.D. within the past 10 years.
Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. focused on thermal conversion techniques (e.g., pyrolysis or hydrothermal liquification), analytical instrumentation operation, or mitigation of emerging contaminants.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.
Appointment Information: This is a full-time, 12-month appointment with a starting annual salary of $60,000. The anticipated duration of available funding is currently for two years. There is a possibility of an extension depending on funding and programmatic need. To learn more about the benefits offered at the University of Illinois, please visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits/.
Application Procedure: Position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. Qualified candidates must submit via e-mail a 1) cover letter, 2) résumé/CV, 3) and the names and contact information (including e-mail addresses) of three academic or professional references to Dr. Wei Zheng, Principal Research Scientist, Environmental Chemistry at weizheng@illinois.edu
The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment. As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility
