Postdoctoral Research Opportunity

**Job Description**
A postdoctoral research opportunity is available to investigate the functionalization of waste lipids and high-boiling fractions of fast pyrolysis oil derived from farm wastes. The research aims to evaluate their potential as asphalt softening agents/modifiers, thereby promoting the upcycling of farm waste and offering economic and environmental benefits through increased use of recycled asphalt binders in new pavements. The participant will engage in developing and optimizing chemical processes to enhance the performance of biobased additives for asphalt binders and lubricants, research separation processes for high-boiling FPO fractions, and conduct mechanical property analysis and performance evaluation. Resulting products will be characterized using spectroscopic, rheological, thermo-oxidative, and other analytical techniques.

**Skills & Abilities**
• Experience in organic synthesis
• Experience in analytical chemistry
• Experience in structure-property relationships
• Experience in material characterization
• Familiarity with asphalt binder characterization
• Knowledge of instruments including nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier-Transform infrared, mass spectrometry, dynamic mechanical analyzer, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis, data handling, and data analysis
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Ability to be self-motivated and perform both independently and in a team environment
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with good publication record

**Qualifications**
Required Degree(s) in:
• Synthetic Organic/Polymer Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering
• A closely related field

**Experience**
Other:
• Doctoral degree received within the past five years
• U.S. Citizen Only

Note: We’ve analyzed the actual job post using AI, for more details visit the original job post by clicking on “Apply Now”!