The Chemistry department at the University of Virginia is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in the lab of Professor Brent Gunnoe.

Research Associate (postdoctoral) position with research focused on scaling and optimizing catalytic arene alkenylation with a focus on styrene production. This effort is funded by the Department of Energy and a large chemical company. The position will require reactor design, construction and demonstration, in collaboration with our industrial partner, as well as quantification of the impact of various reaction conditions for process optimization, and, finally, achieving milestones toward process scale-up. Responsibilities will include design of a continuous solution phase as well as gas flow reactors, construction and demonstration of the reactors, quantification of catalytic results using standard characterization techniques and process optimization. The project is a collaboration with an industrial partner, the National Renewal Energy Lab (Matthew Yung, Jacob Miller), and the group of Lisa Colosi Peterson (UVA, Engineering Systems & Environment) . Working closely with collaborating groups will be required. Effective mentorship of graduate and undergraduate researchers is expected.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Ph.D. in chemical engineering, chemistry or closely related field at the time of starting the position and experience in the synthesis and study of transition metal complexes and/or materials.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with reactor design and construction with an emphasis on gas phase substrates; experience performing and analyzing catalytic reactions, either homogeneous or heterogeneous (or, ideally, both) including high temperature and high pressure reactions; experience with batch and flow reactors; experience with separations using distillation; experience with process optimization; ability to work in a collaborative environment;

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:  Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs  and attach the following;

• cover letter.  In the cover letter, please address your experience relevant to the research project. 
• curriculum vitae.
• contact information for three individuals who can provide professional reference letters.

Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on September 16, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled.  The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This is a one-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed for an additional one-year increment for up to 2.5 years total, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

For any questions about the position, please contact Brent Gunnoe, Professor, at tbg7h@virginia.edu or 434-982-2692

For questions about the application process, please contact Richard Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at rkh6j@virginia.edu .

Applications by members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

For information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.