Role Snapshot
Associate Research Scientist position at University of Kentucky's Center for Applied Energy Research focused on developing and optimizing catalytic processes for renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel production. The role supports CAER's mission to advance energy and environmental technologies through fundamental and applied research.
Key Responsibilities: Conduct experimental research on catalytic conversion of biomass and waste feedstocks, design and operate laboratory and pilot-scale reactor systems, and characterize catalysts and products using advanced analytical tools. Support proposal writing, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and collaborate with internal and external research teams.
Skills & Tools: Expertise in catalysis, reaction engineering, and fuel characterization with proficiency in analytical techniques (GC, GC-MS, XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, BET). Strong technical writing, laboratory safety protocols, and ability to work collaboratively in research environments required.
Qualifications: Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or related field with research experience in catalysis or fuel production. 2-5 years of postdoctoral or industry experience in catalytic process development preferred.
Location: In-Person
Compensation: $65K–$95K/yr (estimated)
Job Description
Over the past 30 years, the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) has built up an outstanding research program directed toward the development of energy and environmental technologies. CAER is staffing up its Sustainable & Alternative Fuels group and seeks an Associate Research Scientist. The person will be primarily responsible for developing and optimizing catalytic processes for the production and upgrading of fuels and related products, including renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. The position will involve experimental work in catalysis, reaction engineering, and fuel characterization using laboratory- and process-development-scale systems.
The key responsibilities include 1. Conduct fundamental and applied research on catalytic processes for the conversion and upgrading of biomass-derived and waste-derived feedstocks to renewable fuels and chemicals, 2. Design, operate, and optimize laboratory- and pilot-scale reactor systems used to evaluate catalyst and process performance, 3. Develop experimental methods to better understand reaction pathways, catalyst activity, selectivity, stability, and deactivation mechanisms, 4. Characterize catalysts, feedstocks, and products using advanced analytical tools (e.g., GC, GC-MS, XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, BET, and related techniques), 5. Maintain lab protocols and safety procedures, 6. Assist PI with writing proposals, reports, and preparing technical presentations for sponsors, 7. Present research findings at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals, 8. Collaborate with internal and external researchers and stay informed with advances in catalysis, renewable fuels, and sustainable aviation fuel research.