Post-Doctoral Scholar - Carbon Materials​/CAER

Requisition Number

Requisition Number DU15041

Department Name

Work Location

Work Location Lexington, KY

Salary Range

Salary Range $61,008/year

Type of Position

Type of Position Temporary

Position Time Status

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education

PhD

Required Related Experience

n/a

Required License/Registration/Certification

n/a

Physical Requirements

lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 10 lbs;

Shift

Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm (40 hours/week)

Job Summary

Over the past 30 years the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research [ CAER ] has established an outstanding research program directed to high-value carbon materials, including:

• 1. Materials derived from coal and petroleum resources such as pitches, binders, cokes, activated carbons, fibers, graphite, nano-carbons, etc.
• 2. Carbons and graphite for energy storage
• 3. Polymer-derived fibers and composites & carbon/carbon composites
• 4. Unique high‑temperature characterization of these materials

CAER is staffing up its Carbon Materials program in response to several supported projects, and seeks one or more postdoctoral scholars. The successful candidate(s) will join a team with primary responsibilities focused on one or more of the following:

• a) carrying out process trials for coal liquefaction, distillations and processing of mesophase pitch, including melt spinning of pitches and coking processing.
• b) systematic characterizations of carbon materials, with focus on the effects of temperature and environment on material properties
• c) high temperature graphitization processing and milling/classification processing
• d) polymer matrix and carbon/carbon composites processing and characterization
• e) melt and solution spinning process trials to produce precursor fiber, followed by its conversion to carbon fiber and characterization
• f) Li ion, Na ion and related energy storage device fabrication and characterization, with emphasis on carbon & graphitic electrodes

In addition to materials processing, the successful candidate(s) will work closely within the respective team, and with the research group and collaborators, conducting a variety of materials characterization techniques including polarized optical microscopy, SEM , x‑ray scattering, gas pycnometry & density gradient column analysis, LFA thermal diffusivity, single filament tensile testing, dilatometry for CTE , battery cell fabrication & cycling analyses, XPS , and several additional chemical, structural, mechanical, thermal and electrical property analyses of experimental materials.

Applicants for the position will preferably have advanced education and experience in materials or chemical engineering (or related), and high priority for safety. Additionally, preferred applicants will have strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated record of teamwork, adaptability, innovation and initiative; and the ability to work well with all levels of personnel throughout CAER’s laboratories. A reliable and dedicated work ethic is expected and required.

• Equipment and Supplies:
  Assist in the preparation and maintenance of research environment and equipment, including cleaning and set‑up duties. Constructs, assembles, installs, operates, calibrates, tests, modifies, and maintains process equipment and analytical apparatus. Responsible for procurement, storage, logging of supplies and equipment. Responsible for handling, identification, packaging and storage of raw materials and samples. Assist in the cleaning and maintenance of lab supplies and equipment.
• Laboratory and Experimental Research:
  Responsible for collection of data, data storage, and contributes to analysis and interpretation of results, including taking samples, making identifications and taking measurements, and collecting, recording, and coding/ plotting data and analyzing data. Maintains adequate up to date log books and other records. Monitors quality and reproducibility of data, identifies problem areas, and institutes repeats/checks where necessary.
• Results and Scholarly Output:
  Contributes to the preparation of scholarly reports, abstracts, manuscripts, articles, technical reviews, invention disclosures,…