This postdoctoral fellow position is in the Nanoscale Assembly and Electron Microscopy group in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. The fellow will report to Prof. Taylor Woehl, the PI of this group. This position will be the primary experimentalist on a project aiming to image chemical and microstructural transformations during the pyrolysis of pre-ceramic polymers.
The goal of this project is to elucidate the polymer-to-ceramic transformation mechanisms for several model polymer-derived ceramic systems and to establish how these mechanisms impact the final ceramic structure, bonding, and properties. The postdoctoral fellow will plan and lead in situ gas cell electron microscopy experiments using an aberration-corrected STEM.
Primary responsibilities include performing in situ transmission electron microscopy experiments, including imaging and electron and x-ray spectroscopy, to elucidate the evolution of microstructure and chemistry during pyrolysis of pre-ceramic polymers.
Key duties include maintenance of in situ sample holders, preparation of MEMS samples, bulk characterization of polymer pyrolysis, atomic resolution imaging and spectroscopy of ceramic microstructure, and in situ gas cell experiments. The postdoctoral fellow will analyze and summarize results in regular meetings with the PI and will prepare manuscripts and presentations for submission to academic journals and conferences. Other duties include mentoring and training of undergraduate and graduate researchers.
The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland serves as the catalyst for high-quality research, innovation, and learning, preparing our students to create innovations that will address the 21st century Grand Challenges (e.g., energy, environment, security, and human health) and improve the human condition. The Clark School is dedicated to leading and transforming the engineering discipline and profession, to accelerating entrepreneurship, and to transforming research and learning activities into new innovations that benefit millions.
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, or related field.
Preferences:
Extensive experience with transmission electron microscopy, including high-resolution aberration-corrected STEM, STEM-EELS, STEM-EDS, electron diffraction, and 4D STEM, is essential.
Experience with in situ gas phase TEM and low-dose imaging.
Experience synthesizing polysiloxanes, processing thin polymer films, and preparing and characterization of polymer-derived ceramics.
Additional qualifications include experience with high-temperature furnaces, thermal characterization (DSC/TGA), mass spectrometry, gas handling systems, SEM, spin coating, and working with small samples.
The ideal candidate will possess excellent written and oral communication skills needed to communicate research results in scientific journals and conferences.
