Thermochemical Research Scientist

Position Title:
Thermochemical Research Scientist

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience managing projects in a research environment
Experience interacting with research sponsors, suppliers and contractors
Experience operating reactor systems at laboratory and pilot scales
Experience in biomass processing and conversion, particularly thermochemical processing
Experience in design-build projects in a research environment
Experience managing safety practices for a team

Job Description:

The Bioeconomy Institute (BEI) is a research institute which seeks to advance the use of bio-renewable resources for the production of chemicals, fuels, materials, and energy. BEI also promotes, develops, and demonstrates thermochemical technologies.

This position will support the research and development activities related to renewable energy resources and technologies for BEI by providing knowledge in the field of pyrolysis and related thermochemical areas. Current research areas include: fast pyrolysis, thermal oxo-degradation, solvent liquefaction, gasification, gas cleaning technologies, bio-oil and biochar recovery and upgrading, and related technologies.
 

This position provides technical advisement for thermochemical projects, directly supervises undergraduate research assistants, and works with the BEI Engineers, Deputy Director and Director to complete research projects at the laboratory and pilot scales in the Biorenewables Research Laboratory (BRL) and at the BioCentury Research Farm (BCRF). This position will have a focus on process development projects that help advance commercialization of technologies. This may include testing new biorefinery unit operations at the laboratory and pilot scales.

This position must also conduct design-build projects, including the development of novel reactor systems.

The successful candidate must have demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills through technical written reports, communication with research sponsors and vendors, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and presentations. The successful candidate must also demonstrate the experience and skills required to design, construct, operate and maintain laboratory scale thermochemical reactor systems and must demonstrate experience in fabrication.

This will be hired as a Research Scientist III. This is a regular with term appointment(fixed term) position with the opportunity for renewal.
Level Guidelines
• Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals
• Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
• Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action
• Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
• Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff
• May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team)
• May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
• Provides guidance to students

Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

October 31, 2024

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
PS810

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:
September 19, 2022

Posting Close Date:
October 2, 2022

Job Requisition Number:
R9737