Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Department of Chemistry

Part-time Postdoctoral Research Associate in the

Research Group of Prof. Sheng Dai

Regular, 75% Part-time (30 hours per week)

The Position: The position of a Postdoctoral Research Associate is open in the research group of Prof. Sheng Dai in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The researcher will conduct research related to non-equilibrium energy transfer for efficient reactions. All candidates must have successfully defended and submitted their dissertation before their employment date. The search starts immediately and continues until the position is filled. The Dai research group covers a broad range of topics and more information about the group and research can be found here.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• The Sheng Dai Group focuses on a wide array of chemical research areas including novel materials, energy storage, and catalysis.

• The ideal postdoctoral research associate candidate will work on assigned research projects as well as maintain laboratory instruments and experimental apparats relevant to current research.

• The postdoctoral research associate candidate must be knowledgeable and experienced in heterogeneous catalysis, and expertise in studying reaction kinetics and mechanisms of heterogeneous catalytic reactions.

• Perform reaction kinetics measurement using Joule heater and mechano-catalysis systems for gas phase and melt phase heterogeneous catalytic reactions including propane dehydrogenation, polyolefin deconstruction.

• Responsible for presenting and reporting research results and publishing scientific results in peer reviewed journals in a timely manner.

• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.

• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.

The University and Region: The University of Tennessee in Knoxville is the flagship educational institution in the State of Tennessee, and the Department of Chemistry is its oldest PhD granting Department. We offer a long-standing tradition of excellence in chemical research and education, stretching from 1947, when the department granted the University's first PhD degree, to the present. We have people from diverse cultures providing an international business environment. The city of Knoxville is a hidden gem with a beautiful and walkable downtown, a diverse music scene, active neighborhoods, unique restaurants, and a robust offering of outdoor and cultural activities. UTK is located within easy driving distance to Asheville, Nashville, Atlanta, and the Great Smoky Mountains; and a day's drive to Memphis, Chicago and Washington D.C. Knoxville and the surrounding counties have a statistical area population of over 850,000 people. The Knoxville region houses many leading corporations, including Bush Brothers & Company, Discovery Inc., Tennessee Valley Authority, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Qualifications:

Requirements: Must have successfully defended and submitted dissertation by hire date, Ph.D. in chemistry or related fields.

• An excellent track record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer reviewed journals.

• The postdoctoral candidate must have strong verbal and writing skills. The candidate must be willing to work independently and collaboratively with group members, and preferably also with experimental collaborators. The candidate must also be willing to mentor the graduate students in the group from time to time.

• Motivated and safety conscious.

• Ability to set priorities, multi-task and adapt to ever changing needs with the proven ability to function well in a fast-paced environment.

Salary: The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and other qualifications. This is a regular, part-time, 12-month, non-tenure track staff position. The appointment begins November 1, 2024, and will continue until October 31, 2025.

Application Process: Please complete the on-line application (https://hr.utk.edu/staff-positions) for full consideration. Provide the following in the application file: cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcript, and a list of at least three references (with current e-mail address and phone number/s) in the application file. One reference must be your current supervisor. A review of all applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Primary Location: University of Tennessee, Buehler Hall, Knoxville, TN USA

Organization: Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry

Schedule: Part-time