Description

Job Responsibilities

Summary:
The Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Technology at RIT invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an interdisciplinary project focused on the development of advanced metal-organic framework (MOF) materials for the removal and degradation of molecular microplastics and persistent "forever chemicals," including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The successful candidate will work at the interface of mechanical design, materials chemistry, environmental remediation, and photocatalysis.

Project Description
This project aims to design, synthesize, and mechanistically evaluate next-generation MOFs with tailored porosity, functionalized surfaces, and high chemical stability for efficient PFAS capture and degradation. Because PFAS possess exceptionally strong C-F bonds, their remediation requires innovative materials capable not only of high-performance adsorption but also catalytic breakdown of these resilient pollutants.
Two structurally distinct MOF systems will be developed, each offering different pore architectures and functional groups to probe structure-property relationships in adsorption capacity and photocatalytic degradation kinetics. Functionalization strategies-particularly involving nitrogen and oxygen donor groups-will be employed to enhance electrostatic, dipole-dipole, and hydrogen-bonding interactions with PFAS molecules.
Upon light activation, the MOFs' photoactive metal-oxide clusters are expected to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), enabling oxidative degradation of captured PFAS into less harmful intermediates. This dual-function mechanism-adsorptive pre-concentration followed by photocatalytic decomposition-represents a promising new pathway for single-step PFAS elimination.

Key Responsibilities
The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for:

• Synthesizing MOF materials with tunable porosity, high crystallinity, enhanced water stability, and nitrogen/oxygen functionalization.
• Characterizing surface area, pore structure, chemical stability, and optical properties.
• Evaluating PFAS adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and selectivity.
• Investigating ROS-mediated PFAS photodegradation under UV and visible irradiation.
• Conducting LC-MS and related analyses to identify degradation intermediates and reaction pathways.
• Assessing MOF stability and recyclability under both batch and continuous-flow conditions.
• Establishing structure-property relationships governing the dual adsorption-photocatalysis mechanism.
• Preparing manuscripts, presentations, and progress reports for funding agencies and scholarly dissemination.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience in synthesis and characterization of MOFs or related porous/coordination materials. Cite your published work on these topics.
• Strong background in materials characterization (XRD, BET, TGA, FTIR, spectroscopy, microscopy, Raman).
• A two-page research proposal outlining:
  • How their previous work aligns with the goals of this project,
  • Their proposed approach or concept for advancing MOF synthesis, PFAS adsorption, or photocatalytic degradation, and
  • Specific ideas they would pursue during the fellowship.

The proposal should follow a concise NSF-style format - Link.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing functionalized organic linkers.
• Experience with chemistry lab setup. (cite examples).
• Prior work with control devices and electronics.

Department/College Description

Project title: Metal-Organic Frameworks for PFAS Remediation and catalysis
Location: RIT/ Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Technology

How To Apply

In order to be considered for this position, you must apply for it at: http://careers.rit.edu/staff. Click the link for search openings and in the keyword search field, enter the title of the position or the BR number.
Application Review: Begins immediately and continues until the position is filled.

Additional Details

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to hr@rit.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.