Position Summary

The SPARK Lab in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Michigan State University is seeking applications for ONE postdoctoral research associate in plasma chemistry, with an emphasis on plasma catalysis, fuel conversion, and plasma activated water. Our research broadly focuses on Sustainability, Plasmas, Agriculture, and Reaction Kinetics ("SPARK"). The position is 100% research with a preferred start date in Feb 2025. This is a full-time, 12-month, fixed-term position, with reappointment conditional on funding availability and satisfactory performance.

This position will work to understand plasma catalysis, with an emphasis on catalyst preparation, plasma-catalyst interaction, catalyst characterization, and plasma diagnostics. Successful applicants will be able to tackle this question from a variety of angles and will develop their own research questions. Ideal candidates would have experience working in relevant projects before, be able to conduct independent research, and have necessary skills to mentor PhD students and prepare the manuscript. Expertise in CO2 hydrogenation, biofuel processing, plasma sources, and in situ plasma diagnostics would be highly desirable. Successful applicants would also be encouraged to seek collaborations with Faculty members in ECE, BAE and CEMS Department at MSU. 

The SPARK Lab actively strives to create an inclusive and equitable environment for all scientists. Successful applicants will have contributed to promoting a culture that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Mechanical Engineering or related field

Minimum Requirements

• A PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, Plasma Physics, or a related field by the time the candidate starts 
• Evidence of a successful publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Data processing and quantitative skills
• Strong experience and expertise in experiments in plasmas and chemistry
• Highly motivated and able to work independently and in collaborative settings
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in science

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in catalysis
• Experience in plasmas
• Experience working in highly collaborative settings
• Expertise in laser diagnostics a plus but not a requirement

Required Application Materials

• CV (most updated)
• 1-2 recent publications
• Names and contact information for 3 professional references

Special Instructions

Please contact Dr. Hongtao Zhong at hongtaoz@msu.edu with questions. 

Review of Applications Begins On

11/09/2024

Website

https://engineering.msu.edu/about/departments/me

Department Statement

The Department of Mechanical Engineering comprises 41 tenure-system faculty, six teaching faculty, and approximately 150 graduate and 1400 undergraduate students. We offer a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, and an online M.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Our faculty conduct cung-edge interdisciplinary research in four broad areas--Biomechanics, Dynamic Systems and Controls, Fluid-Thermal Science and Engineering, and Solid Mechanics, Design and Manufacturing--with collaborators across the Colleges of Engineering, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Education, Human Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine, as well as t