Post Doctoral Research Associate

Title:
Post Doctoral Research Associate

Department:
Civil & Environmental Engineering

Reports To:
Distinguished Professor

Position Type:
Staff

Position Summary:
The research group at NJIT is
seeking a motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to join a
multidisciplinary team developing advanced ultrasound-enhanced nanobubble
technologies for the mineralization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
(PFAS). This role will primarily support Molecular Dynamics simulations and
PFAS interface behavior experimental refinement and performance optimization of
sonochemical reactor.

Essential Functions:
-Develop and conduct ReaxFF-based Molecular Dynamics simulations using LAMMPS to study: PFAS adsorption at nanobubble interfaces, Mechanisms of PFAS pyrolysis during nanobubble collapse.
-Analyze adsorption-repulsion interactions considering electrostatic and hydrophobic effects.
-Collaborate with experimental teams to validate molecular-scale observations with reactor data.
-Simulate PFAS interaction with Argon-saturated nanobubbles to evaluate degradation efficiency.
-Lead experiments to assess power density, flow conditions, and bubble penetration.
-Quantify PFAS mineralization and byproduct formation under real waste conditions from DoD sites. Prerequisite Qualifications:
-PhD in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computational Chemistry, or related field
-Strong experience with molecular simulations, especially using LAMMPS with ReaxFF force fields
-Solid background in sonochemistry, environmental remediation, or bubble dynamics preferred
-Experience with laboratory reactor testing, analytical chemistry (LC-MS, NMR, IC), and instrumentation is a plus
-Proven track record of interdisciplinary collaboration and peer-reviewed publications
-Strong written and oral communication skills
-At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Preferred Qualifications:
-Experience with PFAS or persistent organic pollutant modeling.
-Python scripting and HPC experience for simulation automation and analysis.
-Knowledge of ultrasound reactor systems or fluid mechanics is an advantage.

Bargaining Unit:
AFT-UCAN

Salary Information:
In compliance with the NJ Pay Transparency Law, the negotiated starting annual salary for this position is $62,232.00 (USD). NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses or other items.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefits NJIT offers for this position, please visit our benefits page: https://hr.njit.edu/health-benefits.

FLSA:
Exempt
Full-Time

Special Instructions to
Applicants:
-Please send a cover letter, CV with
a list of publications to Prof. Jay Meegoda via jay.meegoda@njit.edu with the
subject line: Postdoc Application.