The School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment (SSEBE) at Arizona State University (ASU) is seeking for an excellent postdoc researcher who will work on interdisciplinary research to develop novel desalination and crystallization technologies for industrial wastewater treatment towards zero liquid discharge. The position is expected to be available on 02/10/2024 (starting date negotiable) 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, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or closely related fields.
Experience in working on membrane desalination such as electrodialysis and/or hypersaline brine treatment (e.g., brine concentration and crystallization) for zero or minimal liquid discharge (ZLD/MLD). Experience in studying the mitigation of mineral scaling in membrane desalination or be familiar with theories of mineral/crystal formation.
Enthusiasm (ideally with experience) in industrial wastewater treatment.
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.
Exceptional skills of team working with research collaborators from both academia and industry.
Desired qualifications:
Experience in working with ion exchange membranes.
Experience in working with pilot-scale desalination systems.
Mentoring of undergraduate or graduate students.
The candidate will be expected to have exceptional writing skills, a demonstrated capability for performing independent research, and the ability to work as a reliable team member. This position needs close collaboration with the water industry, and thus willingness and experience of working with industrial partners are highly valued in the selection process. The initial review of applications will begin now 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):
- Cover letter outlining research experience and professional trajectory (no longer than 1 page).
- Research statement describing your research interests and career goals (no longer than 1 page).
- Curriculum vitae.
- Names and contact information for at least three references.
The SSEBE of ASU is located in the 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 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 consistently ranked #1 in the U.S. for innovation for 10 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 ~7,000 times globally with an H-index of 38. He is the recipient of many academic and professional awards, including the Rising Star in Environmental Research from ACS Environmental Au (2024), the Young Talent Award from Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering (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 Super Reviewer Award from Environmental Science & Technology (2022), 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) developing novel materials and processes to achieve circular water economy, (2) understanding and mitigating mineral scaling in membrane desalination, and (3) elucidating mechanisms of solute transport across selective membranes for water purification and resource recovery.