Northern Arizona University

Workplace Culture

NAU aims to be the nation’s preeminent engine of opportunity, vehicle of economic mobility, and driver of social impact by delivering equitable postsecondary value in Arizona and beyond.

Special Information

• This position is subject to compliance with all U.S. laws and rules concerning the export of controlled or protected technologies or information. Additional information will be required from the successful candidate to determine eligibility for any necessary export licenses, exemptions, etc. The final offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory outcome of the export control evaluation.
• This position is subject to the availability of funding. The incumbent is not eligible for Service Professional non-renewal notice, or Classified Staff layoff or recall status.
• This position is an on-site position which requires the incumbent to complete their work primarily at an NAU site, campus, or facility with or without accommodation. Opportunities for remote work are rare.

Job Description

The Climate Solutions lab at Northern Arizona University (NAU), in Flagstaff, AZ, is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct finite element modeling and experimental validation of reactive transport phenomena in carbon capture materials as part of a multi-institutional, federally funded research project. These modelling and experimental efforts will integrate with molecular to structural mechanic investigations and state-of-the-art material characterizations. The broader goals of the project are to reveal the energetic, kinetic, and chemo-mechanic mechanisms of a new family of direct air capture materials to inform improved material design and processes for affordable and scalable direct air capture - a critical negative emission technology. 

Applicants must be willing to work collaboratively on a multi-disciplinary team, both virtually and in-person, and meet project deadlines required of the funding source. They are also expected to communicate results in regular project meetings, contribute to annual reports and lead the publication of results in peer-reviewed journals. Funding for annual conference travel to present project work is provided. The Postdoc will be based in Flagstaff, AZ, a mountain town situated near the Grand Canyon, and reside in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. 

Research & Publications - 85%

• Develop and refine finite element mass and energy transport model of charged polymer materials in a CO2 separation process.
• Assist in the design and supervision of the electrochemical characterization of commercial and collaborator synthesized charge polymer materials.
• Analyze and synthesize results to integrate with project team and for public dissemination through peer reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations.

Grant & Management - 10%

• Assist in compiling annual reports for federally funded award, supervise 1-2 undergraduate/graduate research assistants, attend multi-institutional meetings, and NAU internal team meetings.
• Adhere to data and project management plans.
• Coordinate with project PI and project coordinator regarding purchasing and budget when necessary.

Other - 5%

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient with numerical methods like Finite Element or Finite Volume.
• Demonstrated experience with first author peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong background in numerical simulations, data visualization and scientific writing skills.
• Proficient with Comsol Multiphysics.
• Knowledge of the use of laboratory equipment, including electrochemical characterizations.
• Leadership, coordination and/or supervisory skills.
• Motivated to move forward climate solutions.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the use of finite element numerical methods.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of the subject disciplines.

Skills

• Organizational and project management skills.
• Leadership, coordination, and/or supervision skills.
• Data collection, processing and analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Abilities

• Highly motivated to perform research in a collaborative environment.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships.
• Communicates effectively.
• Possesses strong problem solving, organizational, and analytical capabilities.
• Promotes a diverse, inclusive environment.

Background Information

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Additionally, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States. Finally, each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Salary

Anticipated salary is $70,000. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.

FLSA Status

This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and therefore will not earn overtime or compensatory time for additional time worked.

Benefits

Post-Doctoral Scholars are hired on a contract basis, renewable each fiscal year for a maximum of 4 renewals (5 years) according to terms of the Arizona Board of Regents' Conditions of Post-Doctoral Service. NAU offers an excellent benefit package to Post-Doctoral Scholars including generous health, dental and vision insurance; 10 days of vacation and 10 holidays per year; and tuition reduction for employees and qualified family members. New employees are eligible for benefits on the first day of the pay period following their enrollment, after their employment date. Employees will have 31 days from their start date to enroll in benefits. Participation in NAU retirement plans is not available to Post-Doctoral Scholars. More information on benefits at NAU is available at the NAU HR benefits page.

Learning and Development

Your career at Northern Arizona University includes the opportunity for professional development. New employee on-boarding training includes courses to be completed within the first 30 days. 

Immigration Suppt/Sponsorship

NAU will not provide any U.S. immigration support or sponsorship for this position.

Application Deadline

Open until filled.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page. You must submit your application by clicking on the "Submit" button by midnight of the application deadline. If you need assistance completing your application there are instructions available on the Human Resources website or in person in the Human Resources Department located in Building 91 on the NAU Campus - on the corner of Beaver and DuPont Streets. 

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact the Disability Resources Office at 928-523-8773, DR@nau.edu, or PO Box 5633, Flagstaff AZ 86011.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Northern Arizona University is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. NAU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

Know Your Rights Poster

NAU is an Employer of National Service. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service alumni are encouraged to apply.

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