Postdoctoral Scholar

Overview

The Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Riverside invites applications for a full‑time Postdoctoral Scholar position in Dr. Fudong Liu's lab to conduct research on heterogeneous catalysis, thermal catalysis, nanomaterial synthesis, single‑atom catalysis, cluster catalysis, environmental pollution control—including HC/CO oxidation, NO/NH3 oxidation, NH3 decomposition, NOx reduction and VOC removal—and greenhouse gas reduction/utilization as well as clean energy source conversion.

Conduct research on heterogeneous catalysis, thermal catalysis, nanomaterial synthesis, single‑atom and cluster catalysis, and environmental pollutant control. Develop and test catalysts for HC/CO oxidation, NO/NH3 oxidation, NH3 decomposition, NOx reduction, VOC removal, greenhouse gas reduction, and clean energy source conversion, including alkane dehydrogenation and catalytic hydrogen production.

Applicants must hold a PhD in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related field, with a strong heterogeneous catalysis research background. The candidate should be motivated to conduct fundamental and applied heterogeneous catalysis research, have experience in thermal catalysis research at gas‑solid interfaces, and demonstrate expertise in catalyst synthesis, catalytic activity testing, and standard characterization techniques of metal, metal‑oxide, and zeolite catalysts.

• Demonstrated experience with heterogeneous catalysis, thermal catalysis, nanomaterial synthesis, and/or single‑atom/cluster catalysis.
• Experience with physisorption, chemisorption, temperature‑programmed reduction/oxidation/desorption/surface reaction techniques, and catalytic conversions in gas phase under flow‑through ambient or high‑pressure conditions.
• Experience with instruments such as mass spectrometry, FTIR (transmission mode), GC, GC/MS, and related analytical tools.
• Experience with microscopy and spectroscopy techniques such as TEM, SEM, in situ DRIFTS (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, XPS, and XAS (XANES and EXAFS experimental operation and data analysis).
• Experience with environmental pollutant control (diesel and gasoline vehicle emission control, indoor air purification) including HC/CO oxidation, NO/NH3 oxidation, NH3 decomposition, NOx reduction, VOC removal, greenhouse gas reduction/utilization, and clean‑energy source conversion (alkane dehydrogenation, catalytic hydrogen production).
• Mentorship experience with undergraduate and/or graduate researchers.
• Strong writing ability as demonstrated by publication record and fellowship/grant application.

The initial appointment will be for two years, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of funding. Salary will range from $69,073 to $82,836 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience, in accordance with University of California guidelines.

To apply, submit a cover letter (including area(s) of research specialization), a curriculum vitae (CV), and optionally, three letters of reference through AP Recruit. Full consideration will be given to applications received by July 6, 2026, though the position will remain open until filled. The position is expected to start August 1, 2026. Selected applicants will be invited to interview via Zoom.

For more information, visit the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering. Additional details regarding postdoctoral studies at UC Riverside can be found at the Graduate Division.