Position Requirements
Major/Essential Functions
The successful candidate is a highly creative and innovative thinker, motivated by curiosity with a proven track record of accomplishments. The candidate will work in Dr. Botte’s laboratories (https://www.ceti-lab.com) and/or the NSF Engineering Research Center, CASFER (https://www.casfer.us) and will perform work under supervision her supervision and senior research associates with evaluation based on accomplishment of assigned objectives and overall effectiveness of projects.
Example projects include electrochemical conversion of waste to energy, hydrogen production from ammonia, conversion and recovery of N and P from waste, synthesis of carbon nanostructures and graphene, water remediation and disinfection, selective catalytic reduction, PFAS electrochemical sensing or novel materials for batteries Other functions:
Optimize electrode architecture, materials selection, and operating parameters of electrolyzers.
Develop bench-and field-scale prototypes.
Establish accelerated testing protocols to optimize reactor cycle life and durability
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Proficient knowledge with analytical techniques IC, GC-MS, GC-FID, HPLC, ICP-OES, TGA, NMR, XRD, BET.
Excellent communication skills.
Analytical and creative skills.
Good human relations skills.
Ability to work in groups.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet aggressive project timelines.
Ability to be self-motivated and highly driven.
Required Qualifications
PhD in area of project specialization. Knowledge of modern research practices, the methods, resources, and standards thereof. Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities. Ability to integrate resources, policies, and information for the determination of procedures, solutions and other outcomes. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees and the public. Ability to plan and allocate the workload of employees, providing direct training and supervision as needed.
This position is designated as involving access to critical infrastructure systems and/or research, as defined by Texas Executive Order GA-48. As such, candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background check prior to employment. Employees are required to comply with all applicable state and federal regulations related to the protection of critical infrastructure. Ongoing employment is dependent upon maintaining eligibility for access and successfully passing periodic security and compliance reviews.
Preferred Qualifications
A Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering or other areas related to electrochemistry. Good publication record. Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Adsorption experience
Electrolyzers design and scale-up.
Materials science understanding
Knowledge of rapid prototyping/manufacturing, test rigs assembly.
Experience with fluid flow and multiscale physics modeling packages such as COMSOL, ASPEN,
Proficient at CAD or SOLIDWORKS; FLUENT, finite element analysis
Background in Experimental Electrochemistry. Demonstrated publications.
Demonstrated experience on preparing and presenting technical report and proposals.
About Us
About the University
Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock
Referred to as the “Hub City” because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock’s Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories.
About the College
The Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering is home to seven academic departments (chemical, civil & environmental & construction, electrical & computer, industrial, mechanical, petroleum, and computer science), offers over 30 degrees to about 6,600 students, including more than 850 graduate students. Research funding has grown substantially, with over $18 million annual research awards in recent years. The major research strengths are in wind science & engineering, pulsed power and power electronics, microscale and nanoscale devices, and semiconductor materials, engineering medicine, bioengineering, energetics, and polymer materials.
About the Department/School/Area
Texas Tech University Institute for Sustainability and Circular Economy (ISCE) is dedicated to developing solutions to major society problems while integrating sustainability, resiliency, and circular economy practices. ISCE provides an infrastructure for collaboration among multiple disciplines. CASFER is an example of a sustainability initiative. The vision of the NSF Engineering research center CASFER is to enable resilient and sustainable food production by developing next-generation, modular, distributed, and efficient technologies for capturing, recycling, and producing nitrogen-based fertilizers. CASFER is led by Texas Tech University with four partner institutions, Georgia Tech, MIT, Case Western Reserve University, and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. CASFER has over 30 faculty and researchers and is supporting over 70 graduate students, undergraduate students and post-doctoral researchers.