The Water Research Center at New York University Abu Dhabi seeks to recruit a Post-Doctoral Associate to work on membrane surface patterning for water treatment applications, under the supervision of Professor Nidal Hilal, Director of the Water Research Center and Global Professor of Engineering.
The successful applicant will lead an innovative project focused on the development of surface-patterned membranes with tailored surface features designed to enhance the performance of microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), membrane distillation (MD), and nanofiltration (NF) processes. The role involves advanced membrane fabrication, including 3D printing and a range of membrane characterization techniques such as SEM, EDS, TGA, contact angle measurement, CFP, 3D scanning, BET, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, among others. Lab-scale testing will be performed to establish critical relationships between fabrication methods, structure, properties, and membrane performance, to improve desalination and water treatment applications. Prior experience in surface patterning techniques, such as phase separation micro/macro molding or direct patterning, and proficiency in 3D printing methods including Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and PolyJet 3D printing, is highly desirable. Knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) software for model preparation for 3D printing is also highly recommended. The candidate will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of PhD-level scientists, engineers, graduate students, and undergraduates.
The successful applicant will oversee projects, build extensive technical expertise, and develop adaptable solutions. He/she will contribute to the development of novel concepts and proposal writing, while efficiently and creatively addressing complex challenges. Responsibilities will include writing reports, authoring publications, drafting patents, and presenting results at conferences. The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated knowledge of membrane fabrication and surface patterning, 3D printing, membrane characterization, and separation processes. Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and exceptional verbal and written communication abilities are essential. The candidate should be able to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
Applicants must have a PhD in materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, or related field. Excellent experimental and analytical skills relevant to the project (in particular membrane fabrication and surface patterning as well as membrane characterization) are required. Candidates with a demonstrated history of peer-reviewed publications in a related area, along with prior expertise in materials science and analytical chemistry will be preferred.
This position will begin in January 2025 as an eight-month contract ending August 31, 2025, renewable depending on performance. The terms of employment are very competitive and include housing and educational subsidies for children. Applications will be accepted immediately and candidates will be considered until the position is filled. To be considered, all applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a one-page summary of research accomplishments and interests, and at least 2 references, all in PDF format. If you have any questions, please email:
About NYUAD:
NYU Abu Dhabi is a degree-granting research university with a fully integrated liberal arts and science undergraduate program in the Arts, Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Engineering. NYU Abu Dhabi, NYU New York, and NYU Shanghai, form the backbone of NYU’s global network university, an interconnected network of portal campuses and academic centers across six continents that enable seamless international mobility of students and faculty in their pursuit of academic and scholarly activity. This global university represents a transformative shift in higher education, one in which the intellectual and creative endeavors of academia are shaped and examined through an international and multicultural perspective. As a major intellectual hub at the crossroads of the Arab world, NYUAD serves as a center for scholarly thought, advanced research, knowledge creation, and sharing, through its academic, research, and creative activities.
EOE/AA/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Employer
UAE Nationals are encouraged to apply
