Postdoctoral Fellow

JOB TITLE

Post-Doctoral Fellow

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering - NFR JM

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering (CEAE) Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is seeking applications for a Post-Doctoral Fellow position. We are looking for a highly motivated, collaborative, and enthusiastic researcher with expertise in an interdisciplinary area involving silica chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal to a 2nd and 3rd year based on performance and funding availability. The probability of a two-year appointment is high assuming strong job performance.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The lab conducts cutting-edge research in novel, next-generation, multifunctional construction materials. This is a position that requires thinking far outside traditional Civil Engineering boxes, one in which we envision and test ideas for the future of materials that are the most utilized, by mass, on the planet. Our researchers and laboratories maintain collaborations around the country, with leading researchers nationally. We have some of the most advanced experimental and analytical equipment available in any Civil Engineering department in the country, and user facilities and faculty collaborators in other departments as well. This is an unusual opportunity to make a difference.

Required Qualifications: 

• PhD. in a Science or Engineering field directly relevant to materials development and the mechanical and electrical properties of materials.
• Demonstrated research excellence through publications in one or more of the following areas:
  • Novel silica chemistry
  • Crystal dissolution and growth
  • Electrochemical methods coupled to material properties measurement
  • Surface chemistry and associated techniques (interfacial electron transfer, biosensor techniques, scanning probe microscopy techniques, etc.)
  • Computational approaches, if coupled with experimental abilities, including computational chemistry, or machine learning approaches to material discovery and testing.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience conducting research in materials science or closely related areas of expertise.
• Experience contributing to competitive research grant proposals
• Experience with innovation in materials development, and intellectual property protection.
• Experience electrical properties and electrochemical techniques is a plus, but is not required.
• Ability to work in a team consisting of faculty, other researchers, and graduate students (there is also a possibility of undergraduate researchers)
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work effectively people in interdisciplinary research.

 
What We Offer:

• Opportunities to work on high-impact projects at the intersection of materials science and civil engineering materials.
• Access to state-of-the-art computational and experimental research facilities unlike any other civil engineering department.
• Extensive collaborations with leading researchers at other institutions.
• A supportive research environment including support for career development in academia or industry.

Application Instructions:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will remain open until the position is filled. Please submit the following materials as a single PDF file: 

• A brief cover letter outlining your expertise, research background, and research interests 
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) 
• Academic transcripts for all completed degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D., if applicable) 
• Full PDF copies of 3-5 representative peer-reviewed journal publications 
• Contact information for three professional references 

Compensation:

Salary: $65,000 - $70,000 per year.  Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity. WPI’s benefits package includes a robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance and more!

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.