Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Associate / Research Associate to work under the supervision of Dr Daniel Johnson, Assistant Professor of Civil and Urban Engineering at NYUAD. The post-doctoral associate / research associate will be required to work on the development of new and modified polymer membranes with reduced biofouling for water and wastewater treatment applications and their characterisation using functionalised force microscopy probes. S/he will have access to state-of-the-art research equipment and facilities at the NYUAD-WRC and will get an opportunity to work alongside graduate students, postdocs and other research scientists from various backgrounds and diverse cultural ethnicity. This position will be under the umbrella of the newly founded Water Research Center and within the Division of Engineering at New York University Abu Dhabi.

Responsibilities:

• Work alongside peers with unique and creative backgrounds in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science engineering and mechanical engineering.
• Conduct research on the development of novel water and wastewater treatment membranes for various applications including, but not limited to ultrafiltration, MBR, reverse osmosis, forward osmosis and nanofiltration.
• Design and conduct multi-step membrane synthesis from the available state-of-the-art equipment.
• Carry out chemical modification of surfaces, including commercially available membranes and force probes.
• Carry out membrane characterisation experiments, including force microscopy tests using functionalised probes.
• The candidate will be required to develop desk, field, and/or lab based studies to explore issues and address challenges related to water and wastewater treatment.
• Take part in writing research papers, research proposals, drafting patents and attending conferences.
• Train new lab personnel on lab methods, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures.
• Drafting SOPs and risk-assessments for laboratory equipment and chemicals.
• Performing analyses in collaboration with senior scientists locally and internationally

Required Qualifications:

• A PhD in polymer chemistry, membrane fabrication, materials science or other relevant branch or physical sciences or engineering.
• Experience of membrane fabrication and chemical modification of polymer surfaces OR Experience of using atomic force microscopy to undertake measurements of surface forces
• Experience writing scientific publications.
• A willingness to contribute to a collaborative, supportive team culture encouraging trust and cooperation among all team members.
• Detail-oriented and well organized.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to train and mentor students and other trainees
• Highly developed reasoning and problem-solving skills

Desirable Qualifications:

• Prior expertise in polymer and or organic chemistry is an asset.
• Prior expertise in membrane characterization. The use of atomic microscopy for high resolution imaging and interaction force measurement would be a great asset
• Knowledge of advanced water and wastewater treatment processes
• Knowledge of membrane and surface fouling and biofouling

This position will begin in September 2021 initially with a two-year contract, renewable depending on performance.

The salary for this position is competitive with exciting benefits, including housing, medical insurance, annual home leave allowance and (if relevant) dependent school fees. Salaries are tax-free in the UAE. Questions regarding specifics for this position may be directed to Daniel James Johnson djj2026@nyu.edu. All applications must be submitted through Interfolio. Applications should include a 1-2-page cover letter that responds to the required and desired experiences described above, and a copy of a current CV including contact details of at least two referees; copies of publications may also be uploaded.

About the NYUAD Water Research Center:

The Water Research Center (NYUAD-WRC) at New York University Abu Dhabi aims to promote innovative research in water desalination, wastewater treatment, environmental policy, and social issues that will lead to water security and sustainability. The center serves as an interdisciplinary innovation hub for water research where scientific knowledge is transformed into practical solutions.

Research at the WRC falls into the following focus areas and/or at the intersection of two or more areas:

• Advanced desalination technologies
• Wastewater treatment and reuse
• Sustainable environmental processes
• Water governance and policy

About NYUAD:

New York University has established itself as a Global Network University, a multi-site, organically connected network encompassing key global cities and idea capitals. The network has three foundational degree-granting campuses: New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai, complimented by a network of eleven research and study-away sites across five continents. Faculty and students will circulate within this global network in pursuit of common research interests and the promotion of cross-cultural and interdisciplinary solutions for problems both local and global.

Entering its twelfth year, NYU Abu Dhabi has recruited a cohort of faculty who are at once distinguished in their research and teaching. Our students are drawn from around the world and surpass all traditional recruitment benchmarks, both US and global. NYU Abu Dhabi's highly selective liberal arts enterprise is complimented by an institute for advanced research, sponsoring cutting-edge projects across the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, and Engineering.