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 and technical assistance to advance efforts in the areas of pollution prevention; water and energy conservation; renewable energy, greenhouse gas mitigation, materials recycling and beneficial reuse. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.
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.
A postdoctoral research associate position is available to collaborate on research related to one or more of the following topics: wastewater treatment, carbon capture/utilization, bioenergy production systems, and emerging contaminants issues (e.g., pharmaceuticals, per-fluorinated chemicals, disinfection by-products, agricultural chemicals, microplastics). In particular, there is interest in novel treatment systems using algae, membranes, adsorbents, anaerobic digestion, and hydrothermal biofuel production processes to accomplish multiple sustainability goals for food, energy, and water, as well as scaling those systems to field pilot demonstrations that can support future commercial applications.
The postdoctoral research associate will work with a team of scientists on the theme of valorizing municipal and industrial waste streams into valuable co-products and reducing the level of contaminants in the waste prior to environmental discharge. The work will include a mixture of bench-scale laboratory studies and computer modeling for proof of concept as well as managing the development and operation of a pilot-scale reactor systems that can demonstrate process scalability.
Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline including environmental, chemical, industrial, civil, agricultural, biological, or mechanical engineering or other closely related discipline. Employment as a postdoctoral research associate requires the completion of a Ph.D. within the past 10 years. Proven publication record. 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 dynamic priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Affinity for cooperative or interdisciplinary research with scientists at the Survey, professionals at other Surveys or other academic units, as well as governmental and other academic institutions. Proficiency in commonly employed software, databases and project management tools. Valid driver’s license.
This is a full-time position, 12-month appointment with a minimum starting salary of $50,000. The anticipated duration of available funding is currently for 2 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/.
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 professional references to Dr. Lance Schideman, Principal Research Scientist Environmental Engineering at schidema@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
