Job Title: Chemical Engineering Research Staff - Pyrochemical Research & Operations

Job Classification: Research Staff

Posting close date: September 19, 2023

Start date of this position:  September 25, 2023

Required Degree: BS in Chemical Engineering

The required degree must be completed by the start date.

Experience:  

• Demonstrated experience in conducting experiments and performing electrochemical measurements.
  Proficiency in data analysis and familiarity with relevant software and tools.
  Excellent communication and presentation abilities, with the capacity to interact effectively with peers, students, and collaborators.
  Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.
  Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to adhering to safety protocols.

Description:
We are seeking a motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Pyrochemical Research and Operations (PyRO) lab in the Department of Chemical Engineering and contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of high-temperature molten salts. The PyRO lab explores unique chemistry at high temperatures to develop reliable sensors and sustainable processes to support the production of energy and critical materials. The postdoctoral research associate will support projects on improving and adapting high-temperature molten salt processes, such as electrorefining, to increase rates and to meet diverse needs. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting experiments and electrochemical measurements in the laboratory, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, analyzing data, writing manuscripts, preparing reports for sponsors, presenting research findings, support the management of work in the lab, contribute to the maintenance of equipment, and providing mentorship to students involved in the research project.

Duties/Expectations: 

Experiments: Conduct hands-on experiments and electrochemical measurements on high-temperature molten salts in the laboratory setting. Design and optimize experimental protocols to investigate various properties and behaviors of molten salt systems.

Safety: Prioritize safety and adhere to laboratory guidelines and protocols. Take an active role in promoting safe laboratory practices, including the proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials.

Analysis: Perform chemical analysis (e.g., ICP-MS) of molten salt samples to determine the composition and impurity levels. Utilize metallographic techniques (e.g., SEM-EDS) to examine the structure and local composition of specimens from metals produced from processes using molten salts.  Collect and analyze experimental data using appropriate software and tools. Interpret and validate experimental results, identify trends, and draw meaningful conclusions to support the research objectives.

Writing: Prepare quality research manuscripts suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Collaborate with team members and principal investigators to draft, revise, and finalize scientific papers. Generate technical reports and progress updates for sponsors. Communicate research findings and achievements in a well-structured and brief manner.

Presentation: Present research outcomes at scientific conferences and internal meetings. Communicate complex concepts to technical audiences, as well as program managers.

Mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students involved in research projects. Foster a collaborative and supportive environment for students' growth and development.

Benefits: The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art research facility, collaborating with experts in the field. The candidate will have opportunities to receive mentorship and technical support from professors, researchers, and technicians on-campus and at collaborating institutions. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will gain valuable research experience, strengthen your publication record, and enhance your leadership skills through mentorship opportunities. Additionally, the position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and travel funding for conference presentations and meetings with sponsors.

Information required at the time of application ¿ Please list the individual contact information for each of your three recommenders on the faculty application. At some point during the selection process, they may be contacted to submit their letters of reference electronically

Mission Alignment Statement: BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. To this end, please include a one-page mission alignment statement as part of your application that addresses how you might, as a BYU faculty member: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrines and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it ¿bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel¿ (Spencer W. Kimball). 

Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include a one-page mission alignment statement that describes understanding of and commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the AIMS of a BYU Education (https://aims.byu.edu/).

Document(s) required at the time of application - Please attach your Mission Alignment Statement, updated Curriculum Vitae and cover letter to the faculty application.

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Equal Opportunity Employer: m/f/Vets/Disability

All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.