Position SummaryApplications are invited for a Research Associate (Postdoc) position in the Hegg lab. The project will focus on our patented Cu-AHP process for fractionating woody biomass into clean sugar and lignin streams suitable for biofuels and bioproducts. The global pulp and paper market is valued at over $165 B, and the US is one of the largest producers of pulp and paper products. Current sulfur-based deconstruction processes to enrich the cellulosic fraction from woody biomass, however, consume a large amount of energy, produce sulfur-containing waste streams, and burn lignin- a potentially valuable and renewable source of aromatics. Our Cu-AHP pretreatment technology effectively and economically fractionates woody biomass to generate clean lignin and sugars streams. The goal of this project is to: (a) optimize the process for treating wood chips to generate pulp and lignin-rich streams, (b) evaluate the prepared pulp for specific applications, (c) conduct technoeconomic analyses to identify key factors contributing to the production cost, and (d) collaborate with various companies for potential scale-up and commercialization of the technology.

　　Detailed description of work/duties: Specific duties include:

　　Optimize the Cu-AHP process for different applications and work with collaborators to test the suitability of the resulting pulp and lignin.Prepare Cu-AHP pretreated biomass, lignin, and pulp for collaborators as needed.Interface with MSU Technologies and industry representatives to identify new applications and establish additional industrial collaborations.Identify additional federal and industrial funding opportunities as appropriate.Prepare manuscripts and patents related to the Cu-AHP technology.Prepare necessary reports for funding sources.Provide leadership to the lab.Attend relevant seminars and lab meetings.Equal Employment Opportunity StatementAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

　　Required DegreeDoctorate -Chemistry, Engineering, or related field

　　Minimum RequirementsPh.D. in Chemistry, Engineering, or related field; experience with biomass deconstruction and/or conversion; interest in scaling up technologies and forming industrial interactions; strong oral and written communication skills; self-motivation and an ability to work independently

　　Desired QualificationsExperience interfacing with industry

　　Required Application MaterialsCV, contact information for 3 professional references, and cover letter highlighting relevant experience and explaining why you are interested in the position.

　　Special InstructionsApproximate start date 2/1/2024.

　　Review of Applications Begins On11/01/2023

　　Websitehttps://bmb.natsci.msu.edu/

　　MSU StatementMichigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.