Postdoctoral Researcher

33923BRPostdoctoral ResearcherChemical & Petroleum Engr

Professor Trung Van Nguyen, the PI of the Electrochemical Engineering Research Group at the University of Kansas (Trung Van Nguyen | Chemical & Petroleum Engineering (ku.edu)), is seeking to hire a postdoctoral researcher for an experimental project with University of Michigan that studies the chemical properties of supersaturated metal salt electrolytes and their nucleation and gel formation kinetics and develops processes to synthesize this gel for redox flow battery applications.

The PI seeks individuals who are motivated and have research experience and knowledge of metal salt chemistry and synthesis and chemical reactor design and development. Preference will be given to researchers with extensive experience in nucleation and gel formation chemistry and membrane separation and flow reactor design, modeling, development, and testing.

This is a 1-yr appointment with the possibility of reappointment based on performance and funding availability.

75% Research

• Conduct research as needed to meet the project objectives.

25% Reporting

• Prepare and present updates on ongoing research, provide written reports on research progress, participate in group meetings, give presentations at scientific conferences, and prepare manuscripts for publication.
• To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have a PhD in hand. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an interim basis, not to exceed 3 months. Also, the successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.
• Ph.D. in applied chemistry and chemical engineering.
• Experience with metal salt electrolytes and nucleation and gel formation kinetics, as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience with membrane separation, batch reactor, and flow reactor design, modeling, development, and testing, as evidenced by application materials.
• Publications, presentations, or other evidence of scholarly achievement in these areas, as evidenced by application materials.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

• Experience with vanadium and iron salt electrolytes.
• Experience with osmosis separation process, glass or PTFE-lined reactor design, modeling, development, and testing.

Trung Van Nguyen, cptvn@ku.edu, 785-864-3938A complete application consists of:

• resume
• cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
• list of three professional references

Application review begins Monday November 16, 2026. To ensure consideration, please apply prior to this date.$60,000/yr minimum16-Nov-202618-Jan-2027University of Kansas Lawrence Campus 1.0RegularProfessionalU-Unclassified Professional Staff M-F 8-5Research-KULOn-SiteThe University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university''s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.5236788No5541300210.00.006-Oct-2026