The Chemical Engineering and Earth & Environmental Engineering Departments at Columbia University are jointly seeking to fill a Postdoctoral Research Scientist opening as a part of an interdisciplinary project that aims to develop more sustainable approaches to treating and extracting valuable co-products from water streams associated with mining operations. Treating these so-called "mine waters" in an environmentally friendly yet cost-effective manner is of great importance for enabling a sustainable production of critical minerals that are the basis of many emerging clean energy technologies. This open position will involve a collaborative research project led by Professors Christopher Boyce, Ray Farinato, D.R.. Nagaraj, and Daniel Esposito.

More about the Columbia Electrochemical Energy Center (CEEC): CEEC is an interdisciplinary research center affiliated with the Columbia University Earth Institute and resides in the Engineering School. CEEC is using a multiscale approach to discover groundbreaking technology and accelerate commercialization. CEEC joins together faculty and researchers from across the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences who are passionate about studying electrochemical energy with expertise ranging from the length scale of electrons and atoms to devices and systems. Facilitated by deep involvement of 10 core research groups, shared resources and lab space, student-run seminar series, and an annual symposium, CEEC fosters a vibrant and collaborative ecosystem that is ideal for students looking to expand their horizons in electrochemical energy technology and translate that knowledge into impactful careers in academia, national labs, or industry.

To be considered for this position, candidates should have received a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field by Dec. 2024. Technical skillsets in the areas of aquatic chemistry, mineral processing, interfacial science & engineering, fluid dynamics, electrochemistry, and/or experience in the design and testing of (electro)chemical reactors are of value for this project.  Additionally, candidates should enjoy working in a team environment, possess excellent written and oral communication skills, and be prepared to hone leadership skills through mentoring younger students, assisting with reports, and helping to coordinate project activities. Research activities will involve fundamental and applied research components, with the latter presenting opportunities to interface with industrial partners in the mining industry and/or become involved with techno-economic analysis.

To apply: Qualified applicants should submit their materials at their earliest convenience through the following posting. 

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.  The above hiring range represents the University?s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

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