WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
BENJAMIN M. STATLER COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND MINERAL RESOURCES
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
The Department of Chemical Engineering in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University invites applications for a post-doctoral fellow to support Dr. Rakesh K. Gupta’s research program on rheology of polymer solutions. This program involves rheological characterization of polymer solutions and melts in terms of their shear and extensional flow behavior as it relates to designing a fiber spinning operation. Data generated with such characterization will be modeled using theoretical and numerical methods with the objective of optimizing polymer fiber properties. This is an industry sponsored project, and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with industry research partners.
The applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline when the appointment begins and have expertise in some of the following areas:
* Expertise in experimental characterization of shear and extensional flow behavior of polymeric fluids.
* Expertise in the use of rotational, extensional and capillary viscometers.
* Ability to build and adapt custom equipment for rheological and visualization experiments.
* Experience with theoretical and numerical methods for constitutive modeling of extensional flow and viscoelastic behavior of polymers.
* Understanding of the thermodynamics of deforming polymeric fluids.
* Experience with mixing and demixing of polymer melts and solutions.
* Understanding of mass transfer through polymers.
* Experience with polymer characterization methods including calorimetry, electron microscopy, mechanical property determination, spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction analysis.
* Ability to guide and mentor graduate students and collaborate effectively with co-investigators.
* Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing as demonstrated, for example, by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at technical meetings.
* Ability to meet deadlines and prepare, present, and report results effectively.
The candidate is expected to perform other related duties in support of the research activities undertaken by the Department. Duties will include but are not limited to:
* Guiding graduate and/or undergraduate students who will also work on the project.
* Liaison with other researchers from national labs, academia, and industry on all aspects related to this work and help with writing proposals to seek funding.
* Writing monthly and quarterly reports in specific formats detailing progress towards achieving the assigned research objectives.
* Maintaining documentation detailing progress.
* Writing manuscripts for publications and presenting papers at technical conferences detailing the important results.
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Position is entitled to full benefits as offered by West Virginia University.
Applicants must include a curriculum vita and a statement of research interests, unofficial copies of all university transcripts, as well as names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least three professional references.
Review of the applications will begin April 15, 2014, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Please send application materials by e-mail toLinda.Rogers@mail.wvu.edu or by U.S. mail to:
Ms. Linda Rogers
Post-Doctoral Fellow Position (RKG)
West Virginia University
Department of Chemical Engineering
P.O Box 6102
Morgantown, WV 26506
For further information, contact Dr. Rakesh K. Gupta by telephone (304) 293-9342, or e-mailrakesh.gupta@mail.wvu.edu
WVU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities, in commitment to building a diverse body of faculty and staff. West Virginia University is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity.