Postdoctoral Researcher

The UCLA Institute for Carbon Management is hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher to focus on applied process development for mine tailing utilization in carbon capture. The role involves conducting mineral precipitation experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with a diverse team to translate bench-scale results into large-scale applications. Candidates must possess a Ph.D. in a related field and have strong laboratory experience and a publication record.
Employer Description

The Institute for Carbon Management (ICM) is a cross-campus technology-translation entity at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). ICM translates pioneering carbon management solutions from the (laboratory) bench-scale to pre-commercial/commercial-scale devices, prototypes, and (software) solutions. ICM's activities span two major focus areas:

(1) Technologies for carbon dioxide removal (from the atmosphere), utilization, and avoidance, and

(2) Technologies for creating new supply chains, and processing approaches for critical materials and elements (e.g., Li, Ni, Co, Mn, Mo) that are foundational to accelerating the clean energy transition, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of extractive processes. ICM is organized into action teams that are convergent, agile, and world-class. Prominently, these action teams have enabled ICM-born technologies to be awarded the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE, and the 2021 Liveability Challenge, among others. ICM's technologies are now being commercialized via spin-out companies including CarbonBuilt Inc., Concrete-AI Inc., and Equatic.

Role Description

ICM is seeking a post-doctoral fellow to work on applied process development for mine tailing utilization for carbon capture. The primary research focus will be on mineral precipitation of carbonates and hydroxides. The candidate will be expected to assess precipitation kinetics and characterize the physical properties of the resulting precipitate to determine its suitability for carbon capture and use in cementitious materials for green cement production. The objective is to translate the results obtained from bench-scale experience into a large-scale pilot plant aiming at mitigating atmospheric CO2 emissions. The candidate must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and collaborate effectively with a diverse team. Questions about the position and application should be sent to Emma Liao (emmaliao@seas.ucla.edu).

Responsibilities
• Conduct mineral precipitation experiments in a variety of setups and conditions with a focus on electrolytic precipitation and carbonation.
• Analyze experimental data using the analytical techniques (XRD, XRF, BET, PSD, TGA, FTIR, ICP) present in the laboratory.
• Operation of prototype unit operations and systems.
• Knowledge about mass and energy balances and as it relates to sensor placement.
• Creativity around technology innovations.
• Strong work ethics and independence.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders including scientists and engineers.
• Write peer-reviewed journal articles and attend conferences.

Required Qualifications
• Ph.D. in chemical engineering, electrochemistry, (geo)chemistry or related field.
• Strong laboratory experience.
• Strong publication record.
• Ability to write research articles, technical reports, give oral presentations and effectively communicate with the team.

Beneficial Assets
• Knowledge in mineral precipitation experiments.
• Knowledge of electrochemistry.
• Knowledge in process simulation softwares such as ASPEN.
• Experience using PhreeqC, GEMS or similar thermodynamic modeling software.
• Experience in industrial process development.

Please send your resume, cover letter, and three references contact to Emma Liao (emmaliao@seas.ucla.edu). We will only be checking candidates who send all these required information.
• UCLA Postdoc Benefits Plan: https://www.postdoc.ucla.edu/resources/appointment-information/postdoctoral-scholar-health-benefits/

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $64,480.00 - $74,569.00 per year

Benefits:
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:
• 8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:
• Los Angeles, CA 90095: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person