Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Department of Chemistry

Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Research Group of Prof. Sheng Dai

Regular, Full-time, exempt (monthly)

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 work on the ionic liquid synthesis and their application in carbon capture. All candidates must have successfully defended and submitted dissertation before their employment date. The search starts immediately and continues till the position is filled.

The research projects of Dr. Sheng Dai focus on the synthesis and characterization of functional materials for energy-related applications. Currently, we are active in three fundamental investigations, each requiring the synthesis of functional materials for a targeted application.

Materials for Separation (https://chem.utk.edu/people/sheng-dai/)

Replacing energy-intensive separation methods with energy-efficient processes, such as membrane-based separation or adsorption, is an essential step toward substantial future energy savings. It is clear that energy-efficient gas-separation media as well as carbon-capture and sequestration processes are vitally needed throughout industry and government to both power our economy and address the global issue of climate change. The overarching goal of this program is to investigate fundamental issues of chemical separation phenomena at the gas-solid, gas-liquid, and liquid-solid interfaces of nanostructured architectures and unconventional separation media that selectively bind or transport target molecular species via tailored interactions. The focus of our current research is on synthesis and characterization of porous carbon materials, ionic liquids, and carbon–ionic liquid integrated systems for carbon capture. “Smart” materials hold the key to transformational advances in energy-efficient separation processes due to their unique ability to discriminate molecules based on a combination of geometry and selective chemical recognition.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• The Dai Group focuses on the synthesis and characterization of functional materials for energy-related applications
• The ideal postdoctoral research associate candidate will work on assigned research projects as well as lab management
• The postdoctoral research associate candidate must be knowledgeable and experienced in organic synthesis and gas separation
• 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.

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

• 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, full-time, 12-month, non-tenure track staff position. The appointment begins Mar. 01, 2023.

Application Process: Please complete the on-line application (https://hr.utk.edu/staff-positions) for full consideration. Applicants should include the following in one PDF document: 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. A review of all applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Primary Location: Knoxville, TN USA

Organization: Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry

Schedule: Regular, Full-time, exempt (monthly)