Research Postdoc in Environmental Electrochemistry & PFAS Technologies

Lubbock

40813BR

ISCE

Position Description

Performs specialized Post Doctoral work in the planning, conducting and/or supervision of original research. Responsible for participating in a research project associated with PhD studies and the interpretation of the results of publication. Work is performed under supervision of graduate faculty members with evaluation based on accomplishment of assigned objectives and overall effectiveness of project. May supervise research and student assistants.

About the University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.

Major/Essential Functions

The candidate will work in Dr. Botte's laboratories (https://www.ceti-lab.com) and/or the NSF Engineering Research Center, CASFER (https://www.casfer.us) and will perform work under her supervision and senior research associateswith evaluation based on accomplishment of assigned objectives and overall effectiveness of projects.

This position is expected to support a wide array of research projects with an initial focus on PFAS sensing and removal technologies. The successful candidate will contribute to multidisciplinary environmental and electrochemical research initiatives including the development of electrochemical sensors, remediation processes, and hydrogen production systems. Projects will encompass PFAS detection and elimination, hydrogen generation from ammonia, nitrogen and phosphorus recovery from waste streams, carbon nanostructure and graphene synthesis, water treatment and disinfection, selective catalytic reduction, ammonia synthesis, novel battery materials development, advanced electrowinning techniques, and sustainability assessments through technoeconomic and life cycle analyses. The ideal candidate should demonstrate expertise in electrochemical systems with significant experience in environmental applications.

Key Skills Required

• PhD in Electrochemistry or related field with strong publication record demonstrating expertise in electrochemical systems

• Proven ability to optimize electrochemical systems through electrode architecture design, materials selection, and electrolysis parameter optimization

• Capability to develop and test prototypes at both laboratory bench and field scales

• Expertise in designing accelerated testing protocols to evaluate and enhance reactor cycle life and durability

• Track record of preparing and delivering high-quality technical reports and presentations

• Experience in grant and proposal writing

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong organizational abilities with meticulous attention to detail

• Demonstrated capacity to work effectively both independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams

• Creative problem-solving approach combined with rigorous analytical thinking

• Excellent interpersonal skills and professional demeanor

• Ability to thrive in fast-paced research environments and meet challenging project deadlines

• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to research challenges and professional development

Required Qualifications

PhD in area of project specialization. Knowledge of modern research practices, the methods, resources, and standards thereof. Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities. Ability to integrate resources, policies, and information for the determination of procedures, solutions and other outcomes. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees and the public. Ability to plan and allocate the workload of employees, providing direct training and supervision as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with analytical techniques: GC-MS, HPLC, ICP-OES, TGA, NMR, and IC

• Experience in electrolyzer design, optimization, and scale-up

• Strong materials science foundation and characterization expertise

• Capability in rapid prototyping, manufacturing, and test rig assembly

• Familiarity with modeling software: COMSOL, ASPEN, and life cycle analysis tools

• Proficiency in technical design software: CAD/SOLIDWORKS, FLUENT, and finite element analysis

• Experience conducting technoeconomic analysis and life cycle assessments

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?

Yes

Required Attachments

Research Statement, Resume / CV

Job Type

Full Time

Pay Basis

Monthly

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan.

Travel Required

Up to 25%

Shift

Day

Grant Funded?

Yes

Job Group

Research Staff

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.