Postdoctoral Research Associate - Alternative Fuels

About the role

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Postdoctoral Research Associate designs and conducts research developing alternative fuels and advancing energy-innovation technologies. Applying catalysis and reaction-engineering approaches, the role targets low-carbon fuel pathways—such as hydrogen, ammonia, synthetic and electro-fuels, sustainable aviation fuel, and fuels derived from biomass, waste plastics, or carbon dioxide (CO₂)—spanning catalyst and process development, reactor design and scale-up, and performance and techno-economic assessment. The position contributes to scholarly publications, sponsored-research deliverables, and the training of graduate and undergraduate researchers.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field
• Knowledge of catalysis, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and reactor/reaction engineering relevant to fuel synthesis and energy conversion
• Ability to design and operate catalytic and/or electrocatalytic reactors
• Ability to synthesize and characterize materials
• Ability to model and analyze process performance
• Proficiency in Python or an equivalent programming language
• Ability to work independently and across disciplines

Responsibilities

• Develop catalytic and/or electrocatalytic routes and materials for alternative-fuel production (e.g., hydrogen, ammonia, electro-fuels, and CO₂- or biomass-derived fuels), including synthesis, testing, and kinetic measurement
• Design, build, and operate bench- and laboratory-scale reactors and energy-conversion testbeds, evaluating activity, selectivity, stability, and energy efficiency under realistic operating conditions
• Develop reaction and reactor models and conduct process analysis, including techno-economic and life-cycle assessment, to guide designs toward scalable, low-carbon fuel pathways
• Characterize materials and analyze performance data to establish structure–performance and process–performance relationships
• Disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations, contribute to proposals and reports, and help mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers and steward shared instrumentation

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. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

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.