We are SEEKING APPLICANTS for a POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE to work on a highly collaborative research project funded by the NSF Emerging Frontier in Research and Innovation entitled “Supercritical Extraction for the Elimination of End-of-Life Plastics”; a more complete, overarching project description is posted on the NSF website (Award #2132093).
In this exciting role, you will work collaboratively with the research groups of Dr. Bryan Beckingham, Dr. Yucheng Peng, and Dr. Virginia Davis to conduct and coordinate experiments needed to understand the thermodynamics, extraction kinetics, and impact on properties of target polymers found within commodity multilayer plastics within supercritical CO2 mixtures. Applicants will assist in the design and construction of high-pressure experimental apparatus and play a lead role in setting the direction of the experimental approach. Applicants will also serve as a mentor to undergraduate and graduate students working on the project, attend and organize collaboration meetings, and assist in the preparation of manuscripts and, if desired, research proposals. Initial position is for 1 year, available starting Jan. 1, 2022 (or as soon as possible thereafter); renewal for additional years dependent upon performance and funding. Position will remain open until filled.
Candidates for this position are expected to hold a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field. Excellent organization, written and oral communication, and interpersonal skills are required. Applicants should be able to independently acquire, analyze, and compile data to create clear, concise, and well-documented written reports and presentations. Experience with supercritical carbon dioxide handling, high pressure reactors (PAAR or similar, variable volume reactors), and polymer solution thermodynamics is preferred. Demonstrated experience in general polymer characterization techniques is desirable including X-ray diffraction (XRD), TGA, FTIR, NMR, etc.
Interested applicants should apply online at https://www.auemployment.com/postings/25020.
Please also email Dr. Beckingham at bsb0025@auburn.edu when applying to expedite review.
Any questions about the position can be emailed to Bryan Beckingham at bsb0025@auburn.edu