The School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment (SSEBE) at Arizona State University (ASU) is seeking for an excellent postdoc who will work on interdisciplinary research to develop novel materials and processes for high-water-recovery membrane desalination towards minimal liquid discharge (MLD). The position is funded by the Global Center for Water Technology, led by Prof. Paul Westerhoff, as part of the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative. The position is available on 9/1/2024 and currently for a one-year term with the potential of extension depending on performance and funding.
Required qualifications:
Must have a Ph.D. degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or closely related degree.
Experience in developing materials and/or processes for membrane desalination and water purification.
Experience in operation of membrane filtration systems such as reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, electrodialysis, and/or membrane distillation.
Have published at least two first-author research articles in peer-reviewed journals.
Applicant may not have had more than four (4) years of previous postdoctoral experience.
Applicant may not have been previously employed as an assistant professor, associate professor, or professor on the tenure track.
Potential for leadership in convergent research and areas of benefit to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Desired qualifications:
Experience in the synthesis of membrane materials, especially polyamide membrane.
Experience in the mitigation of mineral scaling in membrane desalination or be familiar with theories of mineral formation.
Experience in the treatment of hypersaline brines, especially technologies for zero or minimal liquid discharge (ZLD/MLD).
Mentoring of undergraduate or graduate students.
The candidate will be expected to have exceptional writing skills, a demonstrated capacity for performing independent research, and the ability to work as a reliable team member. The initial review of applications will begin August 1, 2024 until the position is filled.
Application Procedure:
To apply for this position, please submit the following materials (in a single pdf) electronically to Prof. Tiezheng Tong (tiezheng.tong@asu.edu):
1. Cover letter outlining research experience and professional trajectory (no longer than 1 page).
2. Research statement describing your research interests and career goals (no longer than 1 page).
3. Curriculum vitae.
4. Names and contact information for at least three references.
The SSEBE of ASU is located in Tempe Campus, Arizona, a vibrant community near the city of Phoenix, which is around 10-minute drive to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The Environmental Engineering Graduate Program of ASU ranks #9 in the U.S. according to the U.S. News & World Report (https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/en…), which ties with Yale University and MIT. Additionally, ASU has been ranked #1 in the U.S. for innovation for 9 years in a roll.
About the PI:
Dr. Tiezheng Tong is a tenured Associate Professor at the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment (SSEBE), Arizona State University (ASU). Before joining ASU, he was a tenured Associate Professor at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University (CSU). He completed a postdoc position in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at Yale University and received his Ph.D. degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Northwestern University. Prior to his Ph.D. study, he graduated from Beijing Normal University (with the highest honor) and Tsinghua University with B.S. and M.S. degrees, respectively, both of which are in environmental engineering. He has published nearly 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, which have been cited by ~6,000 times globally with an H-index of 37. He is the recipient of many academic and professional awards, including the Super Reviewer Award from Environmental Science & Technology (2024), the James J. Morgan Early Career Award from American Chemical Society (honorable mention, 2024), the George T. Abell Outstanding Early-Career Faculty Award and Faculty Award for Excellence in Research from CSU (2023), the CAPEES/UCEEF Early Career Award from Chinese-American Professors in Environmental Engineering and Science (2023), the CAREER Award from National Science Foundation (2022), the 40 under 40 Award from American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (2022), ACS ES&T Engineering Best Paper Award (2022), the Young Membrane Scientist Award from North American Membrane Society (2020), a student award from Sustainable Nanotechnology Organization (2013), and Environmental Chemistry Graduate Student Award from American Chemistry Society (2012). He is currently an editorial board member of Journal of Membrane Science. His current research interests include (1) achieving energy-efficient treatment of hypersaline brines for circular water economy, (2) elucidating fundamental phenomena at the water-membrane interface, and (3) applying data-driven approaches to promote water sustainability.