Temp Research Associate, School of Natural Resources - UTIA

The research associate will work on a project focused on non-thermal plasma-assisted methane partial oxidation to methanol. The position will involve experimental reactor operation, product analysis, catalyst/material characterization, data organization, and coordination with graduate and undergraduate students in the research group.

The Research Associate will assist with the design, operation, and optimization of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma reactors for methane partial oxidation studies. Responsibilities will include preparing and testing catalyst/material samples, conducting plasma reaction experiments, monitoring reaction conditions, and analyzing gas and liquid products using gas chromatography and related analytical methods.

The associate will also support catalyst and material characterization using facilities available at the University of Tennessee and collaborating institutions. Relevant techniques may include X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier-transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), chemisorption, and other surface or structural characterization methods such as XPS and XAS as needed. The position may also involve assisting with synchrotron-based measurements at national user facilities, such as NSLS-II or SSRL, including sample preparation, travel for beamtime experiments, data collection, and preliminary data analysis.

Additional responsibilities include maintaining accurate laboratory records, organizing experimental data, preparing figures and summaries for group discussions, contributing to manuscripts or reports when appropriate, and helping maintain safe and organized laboratory operations. The research associate will also work collaboratively with Ph.D. and undergraduate students in the group, including providing technical guidance and assisting with experimental training as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Master or Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering or related fields.

• Experience:  No working experience required

• Prior research experience in catalysis, reaction engineering, plasma-assisted chemical conversion, materials characterization, electrochemistry, or a related field.

• Comfortable working in a laboratory environment, following safety protocols, maintaining detailed records, and communicating research progress clearly.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering or related fields.

• Experience: No working experience required

• Research experience with gas chromatography, plasma reactors, heterogeneous catalysis, methane conversion, catalyst synthesis, and materials characterization techniques such as XRD, TEM, DRIFTS, XPS, XAS, or chemisorption.

• Experience at synchrotron facilities with in situ/operando characterization.

Work Location

• Location: Center for Renewable Carbon, Knoxville, TN
• Onsite, Hybrid, or Remote:  Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR07
• Anticipated hiring range: $30 per hour
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division 

The Center for Renewable Carbon at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is a globally recognized leader in developing new and improved bioenergy sources, biorefinery processes, bioproducts, and biomaterials.  The Center coordinates science, knowledge transfer, and workforce training to develop sustainable and economically viable circular bioeconomy systems.