Catalyst Research Associate III, Center for Plastics

University of Delaware

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women, Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University's Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html


Job No: 499049
Work Type: Staff
Location: Newark
Categories: Research & Laboratory, Full Time

Pay Grade: 30E

Context of the Job:
This position involves the development of innovative polymer processing strategies to enable valorization of complex polymer waste streams and new approaches for re-processable and recyclable networks derived from plastics waste within the US Department of Energy (DOE)-funded Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC) Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI) within the Delaware Energy Institute (DEI).

Major responsibilities:
• Construct, setup, and troubleshoot reactors for the recycling/upcycling of polymer plastics waste.
• Design and conduct experiments in these systems and write reports.
• Prepare and characterize heterogeneous catalysts for polymer recycling/upcycling experiments.
• Manage data and material samples related to polymer recycling/upcycling laboratory experiments.
• Work effectively with external partners and in a collaborative environment.
• Coordinate operational activities in a research laboratory and provide support services to researchers and technicians.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and standards for lab operations to ensure the efficiency, effectiveness, safety, and quality control of the laboratory and compliance with federal, State, and University regulations and standards.
• Coordinate the ordering, inventory, storage, and maintenance of supplies, labware, and instruments essential to the operation of the lab.
• Operate common analytical instruments such as Gas Chromatographs (GCs), High Performance Liquid Chromatographs (HPLCs), and Mass Spectrometer (MSs).
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field and three years of job-related experience in a scientific research laboratory, or equivalent combination of higher education and experience.
• Experience in reactor design, construction, troubleshooting, and operation.
• Extensive industrial experience in setting up batch and flow reactors for gas-phase and liquid-phase reactions.
• Knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis and associated processes.
• Experience with polymers or sustainable materials.
• Experience with common analytical instruments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and responsiveness are essential.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to foster a collaborative work environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently and prioritizing among competing needs.
• High level competency with calendaring, collaboration, and communication tools (e.g., Google Suite, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Office Suite).
• Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.

Preferred, but not required:
• Experience in the chemical, polymers, advanced materials, catalysis industries, or research environments.
• Knowledge of commodity plastics.

Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

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