The University of Southern California ShARP Center and ReWater Center are recruiting a postdoctoral scholar to develop and evaluate advanced technologies for the destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water and concentrated treatment residuals.
The position will contribute to Research Project 4 of USC’s NIEHS-funded ShARP Center and will be based within the ReWater Center. The research will focus on UV- and chemical-based PFAS destruction, including advanced reduction and related photochemical treatment approaches.
The postdoctoral scholar will design and operate bench-scale treatment systems; optimize reaction conditions; evaluate PFAS transformation and destruction kinetics; characterize transformation products; and assess treatment performance in environmentally relevant waters and concentrated PFAS waste streams. The researcher will collaborate with investigators across ShARP and ReWater to connect treatment performance with advanced PFAS characterization and environmental applications.
Qualifications include:
• Ph.D. in environmental engineering, chemical engineering, environmental chemistry, or a related discipline
• Experience with photochemical, advanced oxidation/reduction, or other chemical water-treatment processes
• Experience designing and operating bench-scale reactors
• Experience with PFAS chemistry and/or targeted LC-MS/MS analysis strongly preferred
• Strong quantitative, written, and oral communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment
The position will be jointly mentored by Dr. Adam Smith and Dr. Amy Childress in the USC Viterbi School of Engineering and will provide opportunities to work across the ReWater and ShARP Centers on the development of technologies for PFAS destruction.
The position is available immediately and is funded for up to 12 months. The position may be renewable contingent upon performance. To apply, please complete the form and upload the requested application materials using the below link. We strongly encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedjQ79ihJSXZm_1ueTNPX1R-cmWAp…
The USC Viterbi School of Engineering is committed to enabling the success of dual career families and fosters a family-friendly environment. USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance.