Postdoctoral Researcher ( CEES)

About the role

The Postdoctoral Researcher will support research in the Environmental Sustainability research thrust in the Center for Energy & Environmental Sustainability (CEES), an NSF-funded and Texas A&M University System recognized center at Prairie View A&M University. The candidate must have the necessary background and be responsible for all the tasks related to the assigned research and other funded projects in the Center. This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

Responsibilities

• Assists in designing, planning, and coordinating/conducting experiments in support of research projects related to one or more of the following: separations/membrane processes (ultra/nano filtration, ceramic membranes, forward and reverse osmosis, air gap membrane distillation, etc.), carbon sequestration and conversion, life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis, air quality and climate applications, transportation materials, and infrastructure. Application of AI tools to any of the above areas.
• Analyzes experimental data, interprets findings, maintains accurate research records.
• Conduct a comprehensive literature review on the assigned research topics and prepare review manuscripts and technical reports.
• Increase the center's research productivity by developing and submitting new proposals for funding and publishing high-quality journal articles, and grant reports.
• Assists undergraduate and/or graduate students and other laboratory, technical, or field staff involved in research.
• Selects and applies standard techniques of routine research, well organized, capable of multitasking, and has excellent documentation skills.
• Perform other duties as needed to assist the center director and the research team.

Required Education

Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Science or other related engineering.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data, troubleshoot research equipment, and maintain accurate and reproducible research documentation.
• Knowledge of laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, quality assurance and quality control procedures, and applicable environmental health and safety requirements.
• Proficiency with computers and software used for data analysis, scientific visualization, technical writing, literature management, and research presentations.
• Strong scientific writing and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare manuscripts, research proposals, technical reports, and presentations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Ability to train and assist undergraduate and graduate researchers in laboratory procedures, instrument operation, data analysis, and research safety.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research experience in one or more of the following areas: membrane separation, water or wastewater treatment, carbon sequestration and conversion, life-cycle assessment, techno-economic analysis, air quality, climate applications, transportation materials, or sustainable infrastructure.
• Experience operating and interpreting data from analytical instruments such as FTIR, TGA, XRD, XPS, UV-Vis, AAS, SEM/EDS, BET surface area analyzer, GC-MS, HPLC, and NMR instruments.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate or graduate researchers.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, hazardous-material handling, and waste-disposal procedures.