A Research Associate position is available in the research group of Prof. Sheng Dai in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The Sheng Dai Group focuses on electrochemical graphitization in molten salts. The successful candidate will conduct research in the electrochemistry of molten salts. The search will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

This position is responsible for conducting research in the electrochemistry of molten salts. Providing improvement suggestions for the research process, data collection, analyze data, and data interpretation using repeatable established processes. Troubleshoots research issues with junior researchers in the group. Sharing the research results with professional papers and communities in a timely manner.

Required Qualifications

• Education:

  • PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

  • An excellent record of productive and creative research, as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals.

  • Motivated and safety conscious.

  • Experience in electrochemical synthesis and characterization of graphitic materials.

• Experience:
  • Two years as a postdoctoral research associate.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge of basic research methods and data analysis techniques.

  • Knowledge of standard research documentation and reporting practices.

  • Must have strong verbal and writing skills. The candidate must be willing to work independently and collaboratively with group members, and preferably also with experimental collaborators. The candidate must also be willing to mentor the graduate students in the group from time to time.

  • Skill in collecting, organizing, and analyzing research data with ability to teach others to do the same.

  • Skill in using standard software tools and research-related applications.

  • Ability to set priorities, multi-task and adapt to ever-changing needs with the proven ability to function well in a fast-paced environment.

  • Ability to follow established research protocols and procedures, as well as the ability to identify where improvements in procedures can be made.

  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a research team.

  • Ability to manage assigned tasks, delegate tasks, meet deadlines and ensure others on team also meet their deadlines.

  • Ability to maintain accurate records.

  • Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, researchers, staff, and students.

Work Location

• Knoxville, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR09

• Anticipated hiring range: The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and other qualifications, and is accompanied by a standard University benefits package. This is a regular, full-time, staff position.

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For best consideration applicants should submit the below materials:

• Cover letter
• CV

About the Chemistry Department

The Department of Chemistry is the oldest PhD granting department at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, offering the University’s first PhD degree in 1947. Our 25 faculty members (and growing) have research interests that span the traditional areas of chemistry and encompass new interdisciplinary fields such as materials chemistry, chemistry of the life sciences, and environmental chemistry. Our graduate PhD and MS programs are also growing and include people from diverse cultures, providing an international business environment.

• Conduct assigned research projects in electrochemical synthesis and characterization of graphitic materials.

• Demonstrate knowledge and experience in high-temperature molten salts and electrochemistry.

• Use research knowledge to improve the research processes for the group.

• Trouble shoots research issues for the junior researchers.

• This position delegates work assignments to the research group, which has been provided by Principal Investigator.

• Tracks, compiles, and interprets research data for this project.

• Provides training to graduate students on this project regarding the equipment used and procedures to follow.

• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements by following institutional policies. Being the group expert for these policies. Training the research group about these policies.

• Maintain a strong commitment to ethical conduct and professional values.

• Writes grants and proposals to continue funding for this research.

• Data collection, analyze data, data interpretation, and technical reports summarizing the data

• Publishes research results in peer review journals.

• Presents research results at peer-acknowledged conferences.