Post-Doctoral Scholar - Carbon Materials​/CAER

Job Title

Post-Doctoral Scholar - Carbon Materials/CAER

DU14404

40550:

Ctr For Applied Energy Res

Lexington, KY

61,008/year

Temporary

Full-Time

PhD

n/a

n/a

lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 10 lbs;

Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm (40 hours/week)

For over 40 years University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (UK-CAER) has built an outstanding research program focused on the conversion of synthesis gas to fuel via Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) and related catalytic processes.

UK-CAER is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct research on the development of multifunctional catalysts for the conversion of CO2 to sustainable fuel via FTS. This position will involve catalyst characterization, catalytic testing and data analysis with opportunities to work in a multidisciplinary team and contribute to publications and funded research projects.

• Perform catalyst characterization using techniques such as BET surface area and pore size distribution, TPR/TPO/TPD, TGA, XRD, Raman, XPS, ICP-MS, SEM and TEM.
• Conduct catalytic testing in high-pressure reactors and analyze product analysis by GC-FID, simulated distillation and GC x GC-MS.
• Contribute data and findings for reports, manuscripts, oral/written presentations. Lead independent research tasks with project.
• Troubleshoot laboratory instruments and assist in developing protocol documentation (i.e., standard operating procedures) to ensure safe and efficient laboratory operations.

Additionally, preferred applicants should have strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated record of teamwork, adaptability, innovation and initiative; and the ability to work well with all levels of personnel throughout CAER’s laboratories.

A sampling of duties and responsibilities the successful candidate will be engaged in are as follows:

• Equipment and Supplies:
  Assist in the preparation and maintenance of research environment and equipment, including cleaning and set‑up duties. Constructs, assembles, installs, operates, calibrates, tests, modifies, and maintains process equipment and analytical apparatus. Responsible for procurement, storage, logging of supplies and equipment. Responsible for handling, identification, packaging and storage of raw materials and samples. Assist in the cleaning and maintenance of lab supplies and equipment.
• Laboratory and Experimental Research:
  Responsible for collection of data, data storage, and contributes to analysis and interpretation of results, including taking samples, making identifications and taking measurements, and collecting, recording, and coding/plotting data and analyzing data. Maintains adequate up‑to‑date log books and other records. Monitors quality and reproducibility of data, identifies problem areas, and institutes repeats/checks where necessary.
• Results and Scholarly Output:
  Contributes to the preparation of scholarly reports, abstracts, manuscripts, articles, technical reviews, invention disclosures, and proposal submissions.
• Instruction and Service:
  May be involved in the instruction and training of other students and employees, and providing technical services for the general public, government, industry and academic organizations.
• Occupational Safety:
  Maintains clean and safe working area and follows and prosecutes safety procedures. Stays up to date on appropriate use of tools, instruments, computers and analytical apparatus.

Independent, disciplined researchers with a strong publication and presentation track record are preferred. Experience in independently conducting publication quality research expediently is a critical component.

No

03/29/2026

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