Research Associate in Chemistry

The Chemistry department at the University of Virginia is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in the lab of Professor Brent Gunnoe.

This Research Associate (postdoctoral) position will focus research on scaling and optimizing catalytic arene alkenylation with a focus on styrene production. This effort is funded by the Department of Energy and a large chemical company. The position will require reactor design, construction and demonstration, in collaboration with our industrial partner, as well as quantification of the impact of various reaction conditions for process optimization, and, finally, achieving milestones toward process scale-up. Responsibilities will include design of a continuous solution phase as well as gas flow reactors, construction and demonstration of the reactors, quantification of catalytic results using standard characterization techniques and process optimization. The project is a collaboration with an industrial partner, the National Renewal Energy Lab, and a group in the Department of Engineering Systems & Environment at UVA. Working closely with collaborating groups will be required. Effective mentorship of graduate and undergraduate researchers is expected.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Ph.D. in chemical engineering, chemistry or closely related field at the time of starting the position and experience in the synthesis and study of transition metal complexes and/or materials.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with reactor design and construction with an emphasis on gas phase substrates; experience performing and analyzing catalytic reactions, either homogeneous or heterogeneous (or, ideally, both) including high temperature and high-pressure reactions; experience with batch and flow reactors; experience with separations using distillation; experience with process optimization; ability to work in a collaborative environment;

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at https://jobs.virginia.edu/us/en/job/R0072437 attach the following;

• cover letter. In the cover letter, please address your experience relevant to the research project.
• curriculum vitae.
• contact information for three individuals who can provide professional reference letters.

Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on May 30, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This is a one-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed for up to two additional one-year increments, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

For any questions about the position, please contact Brent Gunnoe, Professor, at tbg7h@virginia.edu or 434-982-2692

For questions about the application process, please contact Richard Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at rkh6j@virginia.edu.

For information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.