Postdoctoral Research Associate - Particle Tech

The Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering in the College of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University, candidates to apply for the Postdoctoral Research Associate - Particle Tech position.

Since its inception in 1996, the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering has brought innovative, real-world engineering education to Central Virginia. Comprised of five different departments plus the Dean’s office, the College of Engineering enrolls more than 2,000 undergraduate and 450 graduate students in several degree programs supported by more than 600 full-time, part-time, and student employees. As part of a premier research university known for tenacity, love of the city of Richmond, and commitment to respect and access, the College of Engineering values the significant and positive impact of our people and ideas in the promotion of regional and global prosperity involving research and life sciences.

Position Responsibilities:

The successful candidate for the Postdoctoral Research Associate - Particle Tech position will have a unique opportunity to develop and expand upon a diversified technical skill set while making a positive contribution to the field of aerosol particle science and technology. Application examples of aerosol science and technology are indoor air quality, atmospheric aerosol, air pollution control, filtration and separation, particulate emission control, contaminant control/cleaning in semiconductor manufacturing and additive manufacturing, synthesis of particles for energy, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications.

Research projects for this position will involve the generation and measurement of test particles, instrumentation calibration, particle filtration, and particle deposition in human airways (i.e., inhalation aerosol). The ideal candidate should have a strong background in their own major field for the Ph.D. degree and with thesis research in particle science and technology.  Preference will be given to candidates who have research experience in the generation and characterization of particles by electrospray, electrical mobility instrument calibration and inhalation aerosols. In this position, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work and collaborate with scientists and faculties in the College of Engineering, who are in the field of particle and fiber science and technology. This could potentially include teaching responsibility. In addition, the successful candidate will have the chance to work and interact with scientists in the industries. 

Required Qualifications:

- Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Electrical Engineering; or related fields

- Experience in experimental research in aerosol particles in general.

- Ability to mentor junior team members, and ensure the highest levels of laboratory safety

- Excellent communication skills

- Demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams

- Ability to work under tight deadlines and short turnaround times

- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a postdoc at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications: 

-Research experience in the areas of inhalation aerosols, particle filtration, generation of particles by electrospray technique, calibration of aerosol instruments.

About the College of Engineering:

Additional information about the department’s programs and faculty may be found at https://egr.vcu.edu/departments/mechanical/.

Unit: College Of Engineering 

Department: Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering

Salary Range: $51,000 - $54,000

Benefits: All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Emily Perrault
Contact Email: perraultek@vcu.edu