Postdoctoral Research Associate - Alternative Fuels

About the Opportunity

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Postdoctoral Research Associate designs and conducts research developing alternative fuels and advancing energy-innovation technologies. Applying catalysis and reaction-engineering approaches, the role targets low-carbon fuel pathways—such as hydrogen, ammonia, synthetic and electro-fuels, sustainable aviation fuel, and fuels derived from biomass, waste plastics, or carbon dioxide (CO₂)—spanning catalyst and process development, reactor design and scale-up, and performance and techno-economic assessment. The position contributes to scholarly publications, sponsored-research deliverables, and the training of graduate and undergraduate researchers.

Minimum Qualifications

Required

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field
• Knowledge of catalysis, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and reactor/reaction engineering relevant to fuel synthesis and energy conversion
• Ability to design and operate catalytic and/or electrocatalytic reactors
• Ability to synthesize and characterize materials
• Ability to model and analyze process performance
• Proficiency in Python or an equivalent programming language
• Ability to work independently and across disciplines

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Develop catalytic and/or electrocatalytic routes and materials for alternative-fuel production (e.g., hydrogen, ammonia, electro-fuels, and CO₂- or biomass-derived fuels), including synthesis, testing, and kinetic measurement
• Design, build, and operate bench- and laboratory-scale reactors and energy-conversion testbeds, evaluating activity, selectivity, stability, and energy efficiency under realistic operating conditions
• Develop reaction and reactor models and conduct process analysis, including techno-economic and life-cycle assessment, to guide designs toward scalable, low-carbon fuel pathways
• Characterize materials and analyze performance data to establish structure–performance and process–performance relationships
• Disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations, contribute to proposals and reports, and help mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers and steward shared instrumentation

Required Documents

• Resume

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.