Research Associate - Chemical and Biological Engineering

Overview

The Chemical and Biological Engineering department advances cutting-edge research across key areas including energy, catalysis, metabolic and cell engineering, nanomaterials, biomaterials, and environmental systems while fostering strong interdisciplinary collaboration across the university. Committed to innovation and societal impact, the department prepares graduates to solve complex global challenges, pursue lifelong learning, and emerge as leaders in chemical and biological engineering.

This individual works in collaboration with the senior investigator in the host laboratory. They work independently to participate in or lead a portion of a research project or projects. The research associate contributes ideas and suggestions to the research effort, operates independently, and publishes papers in collaboration with the senior investigator. This individual may have other responsibilities in the laboratory such as supervision of staff, training of graduate students or postdoctoral fellows, grant proposal writing, writing papers, etc.

• Perform scientific research as a professionally responsible member of the research team. Carries out independent research and may lead a portion of the project. Is responsible for problem exploration and definition, planning of the approach and sequence of steps, execution of experiments or studies, interpretation of findings, and documentation of results and may lead others in this effort. Keeps current with developments in the scientific field.
• Publish results and author papers in collaboration with the senior investigator. May present findings at meetings.
• Participates in other laboratory responsibilities such as supervision and/or training of research technicians, undergraduate and graduate student researchers, and postdoctoral fellows; development of grant proposals; etc.

• 3 years in postdoc position and PhD or equivalent degree
• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field
• Three or more years of postdoctoral experience
• Strong background in first-principles density functional theory calculations, particularly simulations of light-matter interactions and solid-liquid interfaces
• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Experience with time-dependent DFT calculations
• Experience with AI/ML particularly machine learning interatomic potentials
• Python programming
• Experience training and supervising students