Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

The Staff Scientist will conduct and lead research on the heterogeneous catalysis of renewable feedstocks—such as lignin and carbohydrates—using advanced spectroscopic and synthetic tools, including high-temperature and high-pressure in-situ NMR. This position will support the design of novel catalytic systems, optimize pretreatment strategies for microbial upgrading, and deploy in-situ analytical techniques to uncover mechanistic insights. The Staff Scientist will also mentor junior researchers, facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, and contribute to grant development and scientific communication efforts.

Job Description

Catalytic System Development and Mechanistic Study

• Lead research on the development and mechanistic evaluation of heterogeneous catalytic systems for biomass-derived and plastic waste feedstocks.
• Use in-situ NMR spectroscopy and complementary analytical methods (e.g., GC-MS, GPC, solution and solid-state NMR) to study reaction pathways and catalytic performance.

Pretreatment Optimization & Reaction Engineering

• Design and implement chemical pretreatment strategies (e.g., reductive catalytic fractionation) to enhance lignin monomer yield, minimize recalcitrant by-products, and improve downstream microbial substrate compatibility.

• Collaborate closely with synthetic biologists and microbial engineers to ensure alignment with metabolic conversion goals.

Analytical Method Development

• Develop and validate experimental workflows to characterize complex reaction systems.

• Employ in-situ solid-state and solution NMR, as well as in-situ small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), to monitor dynamic interfacial phenomena, solid–liquid interactions, and transient intermediate structures with robust data analysis and uncertainty propagation.

Mentorship and Collaboration

• Mentor and train graduate and undergraduate researchers in experimental design, reactor operation, data interpretation, and scientific presentation.

• Facilitate effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Scientific Communication and Grant Development

• Support writing of grants, project reports, and peer-reviewed publications.

• Represent the research team in internal meetings and at national/international scientific conferences.

• Contribute to the professional development of team members through knowledge sharing and best practices.

Working Conditions:

• Works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards.

• Must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Laboratory Operations (3 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in biomass conversion, heterogeneous catalysis, or advanced spectroscopic analysis (e.g., NMR, SANS).
• Proven track record of independent research and scientific publication.
• Postdoctoral training or equivalent industry experience in biomass pretreatment, catalytic process development, or operando spectroscopy.
• Expertise in lignin valorization, high-pressure reaction systems, or biorefinery process integration.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams and mentoring junior researchers.
• Proficiency in advanced analytical tools including in-situ NMR (MAS, high-pressure), SANS, GC-MS, and GPC.
• Strong foundation in catalytic reaction engineering and biomass processing, especially lignin-first approaches.
• Ability to manage complex projects, coordinate interdisciplinary collaborations, and mentor early-career researchers.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to produce high-impact publications and competitive grant proposals.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

Analytical Problem Solving, Communication, Computer Literacy, Data Analysis, Data Interpretations

Grade

R10

Salary Range

$48,000.00 - $86,900.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.