Position Summary/Purpose of Position:

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work in the Bioenergy and Biotechnology Laboratory, led by Dr. Stephanie Lansing (website here) at the University of Maryland in the Department of Environmental Science & Technology researching fermentation (i.e., arrested anaerobic digestion) and microbial fuel cell (MFCs) technologies in marine environments. The marine MFC system will be fed with marine organic matter (OM) that is collected, concentrated, and fermented in a separate chamber, with the resulting metabolites, i.e., volatile fatty acids (VFAs), passing directly from the fermentation chamber to the MFC to provide energy to the exoelectrogenic microbes. The post-doc will oversee the fermentation of microscopic marine organic matter to VFAs and should have relevant experience in fermentation, arrested anaerobic digestion, VFA production, and MFCs.

Responsibilities:

• Develop methods to incorporate fermentation of microscopic marine OM prior to MFC processing.

• Analyze marine OM substrates for volatile fatty acids (VFAs), nutrients, and other properties.

• Design a fermentation chamber for oceanic environments.

• Test the fermentation chamber with MFC in pilot-scale and marine deployments for electric output.

• Operate and maintain scientific instrumentation.

• Maintain data evaluation tools to store large datasets across multiple teams.

• Contribute to monthly, quarterly, and annual report writing and scientific publications.

• This is a 100% research position, with no teaching responsibilities.

Qualifications:

• Background knowledge and experience is needed in MFCs, dark fermentation, anaerobic digestion, volatile fatty acid production, and use of complex substrates, such as marine OM.

• Ph.D. in engineering, chemistry, environmental science, or relevant field with a focus on waste treatment and microbial transformations.

• Experience analyzing VFAs and solids using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team environment.

• Strong oral and written communication skills, including oral presentations at scientific conferences and written peer reviewed journal articles.

• Ability to work in-person in a laboratory environment in Maryland.

Salary: 

$53,500 to $55,000 per year based on experience, with a University of Maryland benefits package. The University of Maryland is an EOE/AA Employer. Minorities, Women, Protected Veterans, and individuals with disabilities are Encouraged to Apply. Expected start date is November 2024.

Interested applicants should send a complete CV, including list of publications, and a two page cover letter outlining your area of interest, relevant experience in MFCs and arrested anaerobic digestion, and use of relevant analytical equipment to perform this work to Dr. Stephanie Lansing (slansing@umd.edu) by September 30th, 2024 for best consideration.