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About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name -- RICE -- Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

About George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing

The George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff, and students in an inclusive environment.

We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought, and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Position Summary

This Postdoctoral Research Associate position is for the Brine Chemistry Consortium in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University. BCC is a joint industrial research project supported by the oil and gas industries (https://bcc.rice.edu/). The individual will conduct experimental and computation research in oilfield scale control of mineral salts. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in experimental research, be versed in aquatic and geochemistry, be self-motivated, and be genuinely interested in academic and industrial research. Strong background in physical chemistry, flow dynamics, geochemistry, aquatic chemistry, and computation is desired. The candidate shall also demonstrate strong communication skills in research presentations.

This position is a one-year term-limited position funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or other doctoral degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, geochemistry, or related field
• No experience required
• Skills Required
  • Demonstrate strong communication skills in research presentation
  • Possess a strong background in experimental research
  • Versed in the aquatic and geochemistry
  • Self-motivated and genuinely interested in academic and industrial research
  • Strong background in physical chemistry, flow dynamics, geochemistry, aquatic chemistry and computation
  • Strong listening and verbal communication skills and ability to present in group meetings and conferences
  • Enthusiasm for leadership, assisting team members and creating a collaborative working environment
  • Ability to work independently, collaboratively and professionally
  • Strong written communication and understanding of manuscript and peer review process
  • Deep understanding of surface and interfacial interaction of mineral/chemical and surfaces
  • The skill of advanced surface instrumentation and analysis, such as electron microscopes, X Rays, dynamic light scattering, and Synchrotron facility
  • Strong background in aquatic electrolyte theory, chemical reaction kinetics, Redox reactions, fluid dynamics, computer software modeling and coding, and statistics

Preferences

• Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, geochemistry, or related field
• Experience in performance and operations management

Essential Functions

• Develop a mechanistic understanding of the thermodynamics and modeling of mineral scale formation and the kinetic factors that may influence scale formation.
• Develop the theory and relation of how the mineral scale formation interferes with corrosion and how it plays a role in infrastructure integrity
• Understand the impact of surface-active chemicals on controlling both scale and corrosion and develop a model to predict the dosage required under various operational conditions.
• Study the impact of fluid dynamics with scale formation and inhibition.
• Develop an understanding of mineral CO2 interaction during carbon sequestration and enhanced oil recovery.
• Publish papers and present findings at national and international conferences
• Mentor and train junior research team members, such as Ph.D. candidates
• Assist with proposal development to obtain research funding
• Support project management and collaboration across institutions of BCC sponsors
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

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Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and the full inclusion of all qualified persons in the workplace. This commitment includes providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. For applicants with disabilities who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or [email protected] for support.