A postdoctoral research position is available at Rice University in the research group of Professor Rafael Verduzco in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. The ideal postdoctoral researcher should have a strong track record of research and publication in the peer-reviewed scientific literature, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and extensive experience in the study of ion transport through charged polymeric films and membranes.

The George R. Brown School of Engineering ranks among the top 20 of undergraduate engineering programs (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff and students in an inclusive environment

We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought; and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

Essential Functions

• Conducts independent experimental studies involving the design, chemistry, and characterization of polymeric ion exchange membranes
• Produces, processes, and casts polymeric membranes
• Analyses the microstructure and morphology of charged polymer membranes
• Incorporates charged polymer membranes in electrodialysis systems
• Plans and writes research reports, proposals, and scholarly submissions related to the laboratory’s research
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• PhD or other doctoral degree in chemical engineering, materials science, or chemistry
• No experience required
• Skills Required
  • Ability to prepare and characterize charged polymer membranes
  • Knowledge of microscopy and spectrometry techniques
  • Ability to develop membrane-based filtration and separation processes using polymeric membranes
  • Ability to produce X-ray scattering and diffraction patterns for polymeric membranes
  • Ability to write clear, concise reports, and communicate findings
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as oral presentation skills
  • Organization and time management skills
  • Ability to work in a collaborative environment
  • Ability to work independently and professionally with minimal supervision and direction

Substitutions

• No substitutions for education or experience allowed

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience
  • Experience in the synthesis and characterization of charged polymers, including measurement of ionic conductivity and microstructure analysis
  • Experience writing peer-reviewed papers and presenting work at national conferences
  • Experience writing competitive grants for external funding and managing projects
• Skills
  • Ability to cast and produce charged polymeric membranes

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Current Rice University COVID policies, which include vaccination, face mask, testing, gatherings, occupancy limits, and travel policies can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies