Postdoctoral Research Associate - AI Catalysis

About the role

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Postdoctoral Research Associate designs and conducts experimental heterogeneous-catalysis research within autonomous, closed-loop (“self-driving”) laboratory workflows. The role integrates catalyst synthesis, high-throughput reactor testing, and in situ/operando characterization with machine-learning and agentic artificial intelligence (AI) methods that propose, prioritize, and interpret experiments, accelerating the discovery and optimization of catalytic materials for energy and sustainability applications. The position contributes to scholarly publications, sponsored-research deliverables, and the training of graduate and undergraduate researchers.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and test heterogeneous catalysts (e.g., supported metals, oxides, single-atom systems, and high-entropy metal alloy systems) and operate catalytic reactors to measure activity, selectivity, and kinetics for targeted thermo- and/or electrocatalytic reactions
• Develop and run closed-loop autonomous workflows that couple automated synthesis, high-throughput screening, and online/in situ characterization with active-learning and Bayesian-optimization pipelines to guide experiment selection
• Build agentic artificial intelligence (AI) workflows and FAIR experimental data infrastructure for instrument orchestration, automated data curation, and autonomous hypothesis generation linking synthesis, characterization, and performance
• Analyze experimental and characterization data to extract structure–reactivity relationships and connect empirical findings to mechanistic and kinetic interpretation
• Disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations, contribute to proposals and reports, and help mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers and steward shared instrumentation

Requirements

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field
• Knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and structure–reactivity relationships
• Ability to design and operate catalytic reactors
• Ability to synthesize and characterize catalysts
• Proficiency in Python programming
• Ability to apply machine-learning methods to scientific data
• Ability to work independently and across disciplines

Benefits

Northeastern University offers a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees, including medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement, as well as commuting & transportation.

Pay

Compensation Grade/Pay Type 108S, with an expected hiring range of $60,315.00 - $85,192.50. The starting salary will depend on several factors, including education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills, as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role.