Job Title:Post-Doctoral Scholar - Cementitious Materials/CAER
Requisition Number:DU13061
Department Name:40550:Ctr For Applied Energy Res
Work Location:Lexington, KY
Salary Range:$61,008
Type of Position:Temporary
Position Time Status :Full-Time
Required Education:PhD
Required Related Experience:n/a
Required License/Registration/Certification:n/a
Physical Requirements:lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 10 lbs;
Shift:Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm (40 hours/week)
Job Summary:Over the past 30 years the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research [UK CAER] has built up an outstanding research program directed to the development and characterization of novel low-energy and low-CO2 cementitious materials based on industrial by-products.
CAER is staffing up its Cementitious Materials program in response to several new externally supported projects and seeks one postdoctoral scholar. The successful candidate will join a small team with primary responsibilities focused on one or more of the following:
a) Characterization and process of raw materials,b) Carrying out process trials for optimizing clinker compositions, followed by characterization of the clinker samples,c) Investigating the hydration process and mechanical development of cement, mortar, and concrete samples.
The successful candidate will work closely within the respective team, and with the research group and collaborators, conducting a variety of materials characterization techniques including: optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) with Rietveld knowledge, gas pycnometry, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), rheometer, viscometer, pH and conductivity meter, thermal conductivity, and thermal and mechanical testing.
Applicants for the position will preferably have advanced education and experience in materials, chemical (or related) engineering, and high priority for safety. Additionally, preferred applicants will 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 reliable and dedicated work ethic is expected and required.
Duties and Responsibilities: A sampling of duties and responsibilities the successful candidate will be engaged in are as follows:
1. 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.
2. 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 logbooks and other records. Monitors quality and reproducibility of data, identifies problem areas, and institutes repeats/checks where necessary.
3. Results and Scholarly Output
Contributes to the preparation of scholarly reports, abstracts, manuscripts, articles, technical reviews, invention disclosures, and proposal submissions.
4. 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.
5. 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.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities: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.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? :No
Deadline to Apply:02/28/2025
Our University Community:We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
