Postdoctoral Research Associate

In Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering (MechE), faculty members, researchers, and students are revolutionizing focus areas in advanced manufacturing, bioengineering, computational engineering, energy and the environment, product design, and robotics. In addition, they are using their expertise in interdisciplinary research centers across the university.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Litster Lab in Mechanical Engineering. In this role, you will carry out advanced independent and/or directed research to achieve the objectives of the research project. This position will require an in depth knowledge of a specialized field, process, subject area and may involve coordinating and implementing sophisticated research plans, the development of methods of research, testing and data collection, analysis and evaluation, and writing reports which contain descriptive, analytical and evaluative content. You will acquire the professional skills needed to pursue a career path of your choosing. You will be responsible for overseeing and performing the day-to-day research and development of new fuel cell materials. More specifically the tasks will be associated with the integration, characterization, fuel cell testing, and simulation of fuel cells with new catalysts. You will also synthesize new materials, support the development of technology to market plans, prepare documents and reports, and mentor junior researchers and such other tasks that are assigned to you.

The research focus for the Litster lab is micro- and nano-scale transport phenomena in energy conversion technologies where electrochemistry and electrokinetics play a dominant role, including fuel cells, batteries, and ultra-capacitors. His research interests also include multiphase flow in porous media and micro-channels, non-linear dynamics, catalytic gasification, and microfluidic pumping.

Core responsibilities include:

• Responsible for performing research tasks as assigned by the PI
  
  
• Responsible for supporting project reporting and documentation
  
  
• Responsible for mentoring junior researchers
  
  
• Fabricating and optimizing electrodes from novel catalyst materials.
  
  
• Characterization of electrodes by in-situ electrochemical methods and ex-situ techniques, including microscopy.
  
  
• Computational simulation of fuel cells and electrodes.
  
  
• Synthesis of materials of functionalized carbons.
  
  
• Preparation of technology to market plans.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree required in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, or chemistry.
  
  
• Experience with research in electrochemical devices.
  
  
• Laboratory experience in fabricating and charact.
  
  

Are you interested in this opportunity? Please apply!

Flexibility, partnership, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued proficiencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to optimally work well with a dynamic population of partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the university through their work.

CMU’s COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: As a condition of employment, Carnegie Mellon University requires all staff and faculty working in the United States to be fully vaccinated, including a booster when eligible, against COVID-19. Prior to commencement of employment, new hires in the United States must provide proof of vaccination or obtain an approved exemption. (Exemptions may be requested for medical reasons or for religious or strong moral or ethical conviction.) Staff and faculty must comply with all applicable COVID-19 mitigation requirements. Please see Minimum Requirements to Return to Campus for details regarding the university’s current COVID-19 mitigation requirements.

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Pre/Post-Doctoral Associates & Fellows

Position Type

Postdoctoral Associate / Fellow (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

• Please visit “ Why Carnegie Mellon ” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
  
  
• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
  
  
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran .
  
  
• Statement of Assurance