Job Description
	

Dr. Jennifer Wade’s research team in the College of Engineering, Informatics and 
Applied Sciences at Northern Arizona University (NAU), in Flagstaff, AZ, is 
seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct finite element modeling of reactive 
transport phenomena in carbon capture materials as part of a multi-
institutional, federally funded research project between NAU, the Center for 
Negative Carbon Emissions at Arizona State University  (PI Greene) and 
University of Texas at Austin (PI Freeman).  The broader goals of the project 
are to reveal the energetic, kinetic and mechanic mechanisms of a new family of 
direct air capture materials to inform improved material design and processes 
for affordable and scalable direct air capture to help meet the Department of 
Energy’s Carbon Negative earthshot. These modelling efforts will integrate with 
molecular to structural mechanical simulations and incorporate experimental data 
from state-of-the-art material characterizations.  Further, the Postdoc will 
also supervise and help design experimental electrochemical evaluations of 
candidate materials. 

Applicants must be willing to work collaboratively on a multi-disciplinary team, 
both virtually and in-person, and meet project deadlines required of the three-
year funding source.  They are also expected to communicate results in regular 
project meetings, contribute to annual reports and lead the publication of 
results in peer-reviewed journals.  The Postdoc will be based in Flagstaff, AZ, 
a uniquely situated mountain town near the Grand Canyon, and reside in the 
Department of Mechanical Engineering.  Funding for annual conference travel to 
present project work is provided. The Postdoc will need to begin work as soon as 
possible.

Research & Publications - 85%

    Develop and refine finite element mass and energy transport model of charged 
polymer materials in a CO2 separation process.
    Assist in the design and supervision of the electrochemical characterization 
of commercial and collaborator synthesized charge polymer materials.
    Analyze and synthesize results to integrate with project team and for public 
dissemination through peer reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations. 

Grant & Management - 10%

    Assist in compiling annual reports for federally funded award, supervise 1-2 
undergraduate/graduate research assistants, attend multi-institutional meetings, 
and NAU internal team meetings.
    Adhere to data and project management plans.
    Coordinate with project PI and project coordinator regarding purchasing and 
budget when necessary.

Other - 5%

    Other duties as assigned.


	
Minimum Qualifications
	

    PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.


	
Preferred Qualifications
	

    Proficient with numerical methods like Finite Element or Finite Volume.
    Demonstrated experience with first author peer-reviewed publications.
    Strong background in numerical simulations, data visualization and 
scientific writing skills.
    Proficient with Comsol Multiphysics
    Knowledge of the use of laboratory equipment, including electrochemical 
characterizations.
    Leadership, coordination and/or supervisory skills.
    Motivated to move forward climate solutions.


	
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
	

Knowledge

    Knowledge of the use of finite element numerical methods.
    Knowledge of the principles and techniques of the subject disciplines.

Skills

    Organizational and project management skills.
    Leadership, coordination, and/or supervision skills.
    Data collection, processing and analysis.
    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Abilities

    Highly motivated to perform research in a collaborative environment.
    Establishes and maintains effective working relationships.
    Communicates effectively.
    Possesses strong problem solving, organizational, and analytical 
capabilities.
    Promotes a diverse, inclusive environment.


	
Background Information
	

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following:  a 
criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a 
degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment.  You may also be 
required to complete a fingerprint background check.  Additionally, as an 
employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal 
E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to 
work in the United States.  Finally, each year Northern Arizona University 
releases an Annual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law 
known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics 
for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, 
practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including 
how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the 
Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU 
Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This 
report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus 
student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities.  If 
you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records 
Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll 
Drive in Flagstaff.

	
Salary
	

Anticipated salary range is $55,000 to $65,000. Annual salary commensurate with 
candidate's qualifications and related experience.

	
FLSA Status
	

This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards 
Act (FLSA) and therefore will not earn overtime or compensatory time for 
additional time worked.

	
Benefits
	

Post-Doctoral Scholars are hired on a contract basis, renewable each fiscal year 
for a maximum of 4 renewals (5 years) according to terms of the Arizona Board of 
Regents' Conditions of Post-Doctoral Service.  NAU offers an excellent benefit 
package to Post-Doctoral Scholars including generous health, dental and vision 
insurance; 10 days of vacation and 10 holidays per year; and tuition reduction 
for employees and qualified family members. New employees are eligible for 
benefits on the first day of the pay period following their enrollment, after 
their employment date.  Employees will have 31 days from their start date to 
enroll in benefits.  Participation in NAU retirement plans is not available to 
Post-Doctoral Scholars.  More information on benefits at NAU is available at the 
NAU HR benefits page.

	
Learning and Development
	

Your career at Northern Arizona University includes the opportunity for 
professional development. New employee on-boarding training includes courses to 
be completed within the first 30 days. 

	
Application Deadline
	

Open until further notice.

	
How to Apply
	

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page.  
You must submit your application by clicking on the "Submit" button by midnight 
of the application deadline.  If you need assistance completing your application 
there are instructions available on the Human Resources website or in person in 
the Human Resources Department located in Building 91 on the NAU Campus - on the 
corner of Beaver and DuPont Streets. 

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to 
participate in the hiring process, please contact the Disability Resources 
Office at 928-523-8773, DR@nau.edu, or PO Box 5633, Flagstaff AZ 86011.

	
Equal Employment Opportunity
	

Northern Arizona University is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 
Institution.  Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are 
encouraged to apply.  NAU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

Know Your Rights Poster

NAU is an Employer of National Service.  AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other 
National Service alumni are encouraged to apply.