Post-Doctoral Associate

About the Job

Job duties

Participate in ongoing electrocatalysis research with emphasis on electrode fabrication, catalyst testing, product quantification, and manuscript preparation. Duties will include data collection, analysis and presentation; manuscript writing, development and publication in peer reviewed journals; development/writing of manuscripts in collaboration with project team members. Occasional travel may be required to collect unique scientific data and present research to scientific peers.

• 60% electrocatalyst fabrication and testing
• 20% data analysis and dissemination
• 10% preparation of project reports for and meeting with sponsors and other team members
• 10% collaborative work, mentoring, and professional development

The Stoerzinger group (stoerzinger.cems.umn.edu) in the University of Minnesotas Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science investigates electrocatalysis for important applications in sustainable and resilient chemical production and energy transformations. This project involves a collaboration with Prof. Matt Neurock (DFT) and Prof. Suo Yang (CFD) to tackle the challenging problem of N2 oxidation to nitric acid, where selective electrocatalysis and mass transport are inherently coupled, requiring simultaneous advancement of catalysts and reactor design. The candidate will assess the ability of catalysts to promote N2 activation and the role of the local electrochemical environment in facilitating this process over competing water oxidation.

Qualifications

Required qualifications

• Ph.D. in in relevant engineering disciplines (chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics, or similar)
• Proven track-record of independent research, critical thinking, and successful academic publications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in writing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Education, training, or prior experience with electrocatalyst testing
• Education, training, or prior experience with gas diffusion electrode fabrication
• Education, training, or prior experience with rotating disk electrode testing

Preferred qualifications

• Education, training or prior experience with rotating ring disk electrode experiments
• Education, training or prior experience with electrochemical mass spectrometry
• Education, training or prior experience with catalyst synthesis and characterization
• Education, training or prior experience with ion chromatography and/or electron paramagnetic resonance

About the Department

This position is in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science in the College of Science and Engineering on the East Bank Campus of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. For more information on CEMS please visit our website: https://cse.umn.edu/cems

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $62,232 - $65,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.