Faculty Positions at Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry

Description:

Faculty positions are available in Professor Peng-Cheng Ma’s group in the Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (XTIPC-CAS). The institute is one of the research units affiliated to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and it is in Urumqi, China, a city with a distinctively historic and cultural atmosphere. Major research activities in the group are: i) Fiber science and technology; 2) Composites/nanocomposites for separation science and technology.

Currently, the group consists of 14 research staff and 22 postgraduates with different backgrounds in chemistry, physics, material and textile. The research motto of the group is “Simplicity is beautiful”, i.e., to employ simple but effective ideas to develop novel materials for the sustainable development of our society. The group has attracted quite an amount of research grants and funded projects from both government and industry with particular emphasis on applied R&D activities.

Posts Offered:

Position 1: High-performance basalt fiber

Basalt fiber is an inorganic filament made from basalt ore; this fiber has attracted great attention as reinforcement for composites in recent years. However, the wide applications of basalt fiber in composites are not achieved so far. One of the major concerns is that the measured strength (~2000 MPa) of basalt fiber is significantly lower than the expected value (>3000 MPa). This project aims to develop high-performance fiber by using basalt ore in the local area. Fabrication of highly conductive basalt fiber will also be arranged by using functional sizing or dip-coating process, and the electrical, and mechanical performance of the fiber will be studied.

Candidates majoring in material chemistry, mineralogy, and textile, are encouraged to apply. Candidates with experience in fiber science and technology, sizing, and functional ceramics, will be highly prioritized.

Position 2: Nanocomposites for separation process

Gas/liquid/solid separation technology is a crucial process in many industries, such as oil and gas, chemical, petrochemical, and power generation. The aim of this project includes but not limited to the removal of liquids and solids from the gas, separation/purification of industrial gases, and oil-water separations, etc. Composites/nanocomposites with controllable surface properties will be prepared, and their separation efficiency will be studied. Simulation will be employed to study the effectiveness of materials for the separation process. A particular emphasis will be put on establishing the correlation between the micro-structure and macro-scale separation efficiency of the material.

Candidates majoring in material science and engineering, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering, are encouraged to apply. Candidates with experience in polymer composites/nanocomposites, membrane fabrication, separation science and technology, simulation and modelling will be highly prioritized.

Position 3: Multi-phase flow simulation

Fibrous materials with remarkable filtration effects and variable structures are widely used in different scenarios to address pollution issues, such as air purification, oil-water separation, water purification, et al. However, the design of the novel filter/separator with high performance is a great challenge due to the existence of the trade-off effect. This project aims to guide the development of the filter/separator by using multi-phase flow simulation. To investigate the special flow problem of the evolution of flowable interfaces and trace the trajectory of the dispersed phase, which involves two or three phases co-existing.

Candidates majoring in the mechanical engineering, chemical engineering are encouraged to apply. Candidates with experience in CFD, fluid mechanics, or multiphase flow models will be highly prioritized.

Qualifications and conditions:

— The applicant shall have an academic background in natural science, engineering, or technology.

— A doctoral degree obtained from a world-renowned university is required, overseas academic experience is a plus.

— The applicant is taking a teaching/research position in a well-known research institution or the research department of a well-known enterprise when the application is filed.

— The applicant has outstanding performance in the field compared to his/her age group, and has the potential to become a field leader.

Remuneration and Conditions of Service:

Salary is highly competitive of international standard and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Appointments will be made under the establishment of XJIPC, and employee benefits will be provided according to the relevant laws of China as well as XTIPC-CAS regulations.

The materials needed for applying for the post:

Letter of intention, CV and 3 representative publications. The opening is available until the position is filled. Only short-listed candidate will be arranged for an interview. Further information will be required for successful candidate.