Postdoctoral Researcher

Department: Mechanical Engineering

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Salary range is $45,000 to $50,000 annually

Work Schedule: Generally 8am - 5pm, Monday - Friday.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Wichita State University invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position focusing on the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced inorganic nanomaterials for wastewater treatment, energy harvest, and environmental engineering-centric applications. This position is part of an NSF-funded program, and the successful candidate is expected to engage in a broad range of research and academic activities supporting the program's goals. Key responsibilities include:
• Design and synthesis of advanced inorganic nanomaterials (e.g., transition-metal-based nanoparticles) by adopting state-of-the-art chemical and physical techniques.
• Structural characterization of synthetic inorganic nanomaterials through modern instrumentation techniques (e.g., XRD, BET, XPS, SEM, and TEM).
• Development of functional membranes incorporated with enabling inorganic nanomaterials for wastewater treatment and energy harvest.
• Collaboration with the modeling and simulation team on the design, engineering, and optimization of functional membranes and associated integrated application systems.

Job Summary

Administers a variety of studies within scientific or scholarly area of expertise. Performs research study analyses, writes reports and publications, and coordinates with others in carrying out research.

Essential Functions

Participates with others on research projects. Builds upon previous or concurrent research. Develops research projects through a variety of methods, collaborations and analyses. Gathers data and develops statistical analyses to assimilate and interpret research results. Resolves data and/or research issues. Researches, writes, and communicates research progress and outcomes. Maintains research facility data, equipment, and specimens to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations. May supervise the work of others.

Job Duties

The job duties include: conducting experimental syntheses of inorganic nanomaterials, characterizing synthetic nanomaterials, and fabricating functional membranes for water/energy applications, performing computational analyses, preparing technical reports, drafting scientific publications, and collaborating with interdisciplinary research team members.

Required Education and Experience:

• Doctorate degree in a related field
• One (1) year of experience in research, laboratory, scholarly setting, or related field

Required License/Certifications/Training:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Logical analysis and critical thinking.
• Proficient laboratory bench capabilities in materials synthesis and instrumentation characterization.
• Proven ability to work effectively in large collaborative teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD earned in materials engineering, chemistry engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Academic credentials (peer-reviewed journal publications) in the synthesis and characterization of advanced inorganic nanomaterials.
• Established expertise in the design, fabrication, and scale-up of functional membranes.
• Relevant experience in environmental engineering applications in areas such as wastewater treatment and energy harvest.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Ability to use tools, equipment, and technology necessary to do the job. This includes dexterity in instrument manipulation. Ability to move, transport, and/or deliver items, supplies, or equipment.

Additional Physical Requirement:

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to constantly move objects.