Postdoctoral Research Associate - Plasma Science and Engineering

Responsibilities

• Develop and advance non-thermal plasma-based technologies for: Nitrogen fixation
• Valorization of renewable feedstocks
• Conversion of waste streams into value-added products
• Design, build, and optimize plasma reactors and related experimental systems.
• Conduct thermodynamic and kinetic analyses of plasma-driven chemical processes.
• Perform chemical and materials characterization using appropriate analytical techniques.
• Assist the Principal Investigator (PI) in managing laboratory operations, coordinating research activities and collaborations, and maintaining a safe and productive research environment.
• Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students.
• Collaborate with internal and external research partners on multidisciplinary projects.
• Prepare technical reports, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Communicate research findings effectively through written reports, publications, presentations, and interactions with collaborators.
• Required Minimum Qualifications:
• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related disciplines .

Requirements

• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas: Plasma physics and plasma chemistry
• Reaction kinetics and thermodynamics in plasma environments
• Renewable and sustainable chemical processes
• Conversion of nitrogen, biomass, or waste streams into fuels, chemicals, or materials
• Hands-on experience with: Plasma reactor design and operation
• Experimental diagnostics and system integration
• Chemical, materials, or spectroscopic analysis techniques
• Record of scholarly productivity, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, patents, and/or other significant research contributions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated through technical reports, research proposals, invited presentations, student mentoring, and collaborative research activities
• Department/Program & College Description:
• Department Unit/Website:
• Department of Mechanical Engineering - Iowa State University
• Application Instructions:
• To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application/Cover Letter
• Why Choose Iowa State University?
• Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
• If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
• Proposed Start Date:
• August 3, 2026
• Number of Months Employed Per Year:
• 12 Month Work Period
• Time Type:
• Full time
• Pay Grade:
• Post Docs
• Original Posting Date:
• June 30, 2026
• Posting Close Date:
• July 14, 2026
• Job Requisition Number:
• R19514
• Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic in

Benefits

Additional Information

Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate - Plasma Science and Engineering Appointment Type: Post Doc/Trainee Job Description: Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: We are seeking highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associates to conduct cutting-edge research in plasma science and engineering, with an emphasis on non-thermal plasma technologies for sustainable chemical processes. Successful candidates will contribute to developing innovative solutions for nitrogen fixation, renewable resource valorization, and waste-to-value conversion while working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.

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