How to Apply: Please apply by sending an e-mail to xavier.fonoll@utexas.edu
The application must include, in a single pdf, (1) A cover letter outlining your research experience, qualifications, and interest in the position, and (2) Curriculum vitae (CV) including a list of publications. Please also submit contact information for three references.
Review of applications will begin on March 1st 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date for this position is September 1, 2024. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience.
Questions may be directed to Dr. Fonoll at xavier.fonoll@utexas.edu. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and only applications that follow the submission guidelines will be considered.
Job Summary. The Resource recovery research group at the University of Texas at Austin (Maseeh Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering) is seeking for a highly motivated and talented individual for a postdoctoral researcher position in resource recovery and environmental biotechnology. The postdoctoral researcher will be able to work in one or multiple of the following projects:
• Treatment of hydrothermal liquefaction aqueous by-product through biotechnologies to advance resource recovery at water resource recovery facilities.
• Development of new biotechnologies to inactivate pathogens and recover resources from organic wastes to improve sanitation in underserved communities.
• Using anaerobic fungi to recover resources (high value chemicals or biogas) from lignocellulosic wastes.
Position Overview. The selected candidate will join a research team dedicated to transforming waste into fuels and energy using anaerobic biotechnologies. The selected candidate will perform research in the laboratory with biotechnologies and collaborate with PhD, master and undergraduate students as well as practitioners from utilities and consulting companies. It is expected that the selected candidate will collaborate actively in writing and publishing research papers and preparing grant proposal applications.
Responsibilities:
• Conduct empirical research to develop innovative and sustainable strategies for converting waste into fuels, industrial feedstocks, and energy.
• Collaborate with PhD, master and undergrad students, personnel from water resource recovery facilities and consultants.
• Prepare grant proposal applications and write and publish research papers.
Qualifications:
• A Ph.D. in environmental engineering, environmental biotechnology, bioengineering, chemical engineering, environmental microbiology, environmental science, or a related field.
• Strong background and expertise in anaerobic biotechnology.
• Experience conducting empirical research in the field of waste conversion, in building and operating bioreactor systems, and knowledge of anaerobic biotechnology and microbiology.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams and collaborate with international partners.
• Excellent communication and scientific writing skills.
• Track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals is highly desirable.
• Knowledge on sequencing techniques, life cycle assessment or machine learning with AI is desirable.
Term Appointment Language. This position will be a one (1) year full-time term limited appointment with the possibility of renewal.