Postdoctoral opportunity in emerging algae biofuel field

This is an opportunity for an electrical engineer or applied physicist to apply his or her skills to the development of a new technology – the production of transportation fuels and other petrochemicals from algae. The University of Texas researchers have developed a novel electromechanical approach to separating the chemicals from the algae cells as well as dewatering the algae itself. These techniques are still in the research stage, but expect to be evolved to a practical demonstration stage within the next 12 -18 months. This is an opportunity to work with cell biologists, chemical engineers, environmental engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers and physicists on a multidisciplinary team to provide the technology and the scientific underpinnings of the technology. Since this is a rapidly emerging field, it is not expected that the incumbent will be an expert in algae biofuel production.

The ideal candidate will have:
1. A strong interest in being involved in the basic technology underpinning algae biofuel production
2. A Ph.D. in electrical engineering or physics
3. Experience and skill in the use of commercial software to calculate electrical field distributions and forces. Experience with boundary-element approaches to these problems is a plus.
4. Ability to synthesize data and prepare technical papers. Significant experimentation has been done. Rigorous comparison with theory is needed and, in a number of areas, investigations need to be completed and papers written.
5. Ability to work in a team environment
6. Interest and skill in helping design engineers understand the scientific underpinnings of the process as they work to implement the process on a commercial scale

Although this is predominantly a basic research position, the incumbent will work closely with the commercialization team. This will make it difficult if the position is filled by someone who is not a U.S. citizen.

U.S. CITIZENSHIP PREFERRED.