University of Virginia

The Environmental Institute (EI) & the Cai Laboratory at the University of Virginia are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join their 3D Printed Catalysts for Decarbonatization project, as part of the Climate Fellows Postdoctoral Program. The project consists of three core areas: (1) materials innovation, (2) technology development, and (3) advanced characterization.

The successful candidate will exploit and further develop our customized 3D printing platform to transform a newly developed soft, elastomeric resins that can swell dramatically in salt solutions to complex, high-resolution 3D architectures, which will be subsequently calcinated and reduced to multi-scale porous metallic scaffolds for catalysis.

The Postdoc will work with leading experts, including UVA faculty and postdocs consisting of chemists, materials scientists, engineers, and physicists, in catalysis to test the scaffolds and optimize them as high-performance catalysts for deep decarbonization. The project integrates polymer chemistry, polymer physics, catalysis, advanced characterization (TEM, AFM, SEM), in-situ SAXS, microscopy, mechanics, 3D printing, and instrumentation, with an ultimate interest in advancing deep decarbonization.

Additional Responsibilities include:

Managing laboratory facilities, performing measurements, updating equipment, developing procedures for operation and safety, supporting undergraduate/graduate research and fielding questions regarding procedures. The successful applicant will also participate in guiding students in measurements and analysis of their data as well as helping to draft proposals, reports, and research papers.

The Postdoc Model

Once selected, the Postdoctoral Research Associate will join a cohort of other Climate Fellows Program postdocs at UVA and will receive professional training, technical support, and computational infrastructure tailored to their project. The postdoc will receive direct mentoring from at least two UVA faculty members in different disciplines to help them build cross-disciplinary fluency in support of their own research.

Eligibility and Selection Process:

General Expectations

• Qualifications: Applicants are required to have a PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field by their appointment start date; we prefer candidates who have received their degree within five years prior to the start of the appointment.
• Citizenship: There is NO citizenship requirement. UVA will help sponsor visas covering the duration of the postdoc.
• Duration: This is a one-year appointment to continue the success of the project led by a previous postdoc, to begin by August 2024, and has the possibility for renewal.
• Good oral and written communication skills, as well as attention to detail and good record keeping, are essential.

Project-Specific Competencies

• Candidates with expertise in polymer chemistry and/or 3D printing are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Qualified candidates with other backgrounds will also be considered.

Evaluation

Applicants seeking to be considered for the Postdoctoral Research Associate role for this project will be evaluated on three main criteria:

the strength of their research and analytical expertise. their ability to collaborate across disciplines; and their commitment to diversifying perspectives in pursuit of equitable solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation.

Starting salary: $66,950/year

Research Funds: $5,000/year

How to Apply: 

External Applicants: Apply online, and search for ‘R0058898.’ Complete an application online and attach the following: 

• CV/Resume
• 1-page Cover Letter, describing how your research interest aligns with the project.
• A 3-slide presentation that summarizes your previous work
• Contact information for three (3) references (name, email, and address). 

Internal UVA Applicants: Please apply through your Workday Home page, search “Find UVA Jobs.” 

Application Timeline: 

• Review of applications will begin immediately; the position will remain open until filled. 
• The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Prof. Liheng Cai at liheng.cai@virginia.edu, or Henry Boachi, Program Manager, at henryb@virginia.edu. 

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter, at js9rk@virginia.edu.

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

The University of Virginia, including 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.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Education: Doctoral degree Experience: None Licensure: None PHYSICAL DEMANDS This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.