Post Doc -Environmental Engineering

Overview

Fraunhofer USA, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on applied research that bridges the gap between basic science and industry to accelerate technology development and market adoption. Located on the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing, the Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest (CMW) specializes in next-generation materials for sectors such as automotive, energy, environment, and health, with expertise in additive manufacturing, coatings, plasma sources, diamond materials, water treatment, and laser applications.

Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest is seeking highly motivated, reliable, and technically competent individual to join our team as a Postdoctoral Fellow. You will conduct research and development under the supervision of Dr. Ibrahim Abusallout. Dr. Abusallout is the Water Treatment Lead at Fraunhofer USA CMW and adjunct professor at the department of civil and environmental engineering at Michigan State University.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will have the opportunity to lead and/or support the development of multiple novel water treatment and analytical systems for the detection and removal of contaminants of concern (CoCs) in water and wastewater. The Fellow will specifically lead two funded research projects supported by the NSF and the EPA focused on PFAS removal from water. The EPA-funded project is centered on the removal of PFAS from contaminated agricultural runoff through adsorption using recycled and waste-derived materials. The NSF-funded project focuses on enhancing electrochemical oxidation processes for PFAS destruction and defluorination in water.

This is a salaried position that offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, paid vacation, and participation in a pension plan. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and the availability of funding. The position is available immediately; however, flexibility in the start date can be accommodated as needed.

Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Fellow will primarily lead research endeavors, conducting experiments, analytical chemical measurements, and data analytics. You will also be tasked with preparing manuscripts for publication, presenting findings at conferences, and writing research proposals. A key part of your role as a Postdoctoral Fellow will be the mentoring and training of interns to support the environmental and water treatment research conducted by the Center.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• Experience working in a chemical laboratory setting
• Knowledge in Environmental and Analytical Chemistry
• Excellent technical writing and oral communication skills
• Keen attention to details
• Able to multitask, work and lead in multiple projects as needed
• Able to work in an interdisciplinary, diverse, and international team
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced technical and experimental knowledge in batch and column adsorption studies for water treatment (e.g., GAC for PFAS removal, rapid small scale column test [RSSCT])
• Advanced experience in operation and analysis of GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS is highly favorable
• Advanced technical knowledge in chemical interactions, surface composition and removal rates of CoCs with adsorbents
• Experience in DM, SEM with EDS detector, XRD, FTIR and XPS are highly desirable
• Advanced technical and experimental knowledge in electrochemical oxidation process and boron doped diamond electrodes
• Experience in preparing manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals desired
• Leadership skills
• Communication and mentoring skills since the Postdoctoral Fellow will help advising many MS, and undergraduate interns

Apply:

Prospective applicants should send up-to-date CV and a brief statement of interest as a single PDF

Fraunhofer USA is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other classification protected by applicable laws.