"Postdoctoral Researcher - Project AURORA"

Project Title:

Harnessing Cerium: Smart Rare Earth Catalysts for Solar-Driven Abatement of Toluene in Industrial Effluents (Project AURORA)

This project addresses a critical national challenge by valorizing Vietnam’s vast, underutilized rare-earth (cerium) deposits into a powerful solution for industrial air pollution. Our goal is to develop a novel solar-driven photothermocatalytic process to efficiently destroy harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), like toluene, at their source in industrial effluents. By integrating advanced materials synthesis with a predictive Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform, we will accelerate the discovery of efficient and sustainable solutions for environmental remediation.

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Researcher to play a foundational role in this pioneering 18-month project at the Center for Materials Innovation and Technology (CMIT) at VinUniversity.

A Unique Opportunity to Build and Lead

This is not a typical postdoctoral position in a long-established laboratory. As the first postdoctoral researcher in a newly forming research group, you will have the unique and exciting opportunity to help build our lab from the ground up. You will be instrumental in designing, commissioning, and shaping the core experimental facilities and research direction. This role is ideal for a passionate, independent researcher who is eager to take on significant responsibility, solve real-world challenges, and help establish a lasting legacy of cutting-edge environmental research at VinUniversity.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be a driving force behind the project’s success and will be expected to:

• Lead Lab Development: Take the lead in the design, assembly, and commissioning of a state-of-the-art, automated photothermocatalytic reactor system.
• Advanced Catalyst Synthesis: Design and synthesize a library of high-performance, nanostructured ceria-based catalysts derived from rare-earth precursors.
• Material Characterization: Rigorously characterize the physicochemical properties of the synthesized materials using various advanced techniques.
• Experimental Campaign & Data Generation: Conduct systematic, high-fidelity experiments to evaluate catalyst performance under industrially relevant conditions.
• Data Analysis and Dissemination: Analyze experimental data and take a leading role in preparing high-impact manuscripts, patent applications, and conference presentations.
• Mentorship: Assist in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students involved in the project.

Candidate Profile:

• A Ph.D. in Materials Science, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline is required.
• A strong track record of high-quality publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in materials synthesis and characterization.
• Prior experience with gas-phase systems (e.g., gas-phase catalytic reactions, adsorption, or reactor design) is strongly encouraged and will be highly valued.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, independence, and a proactive, hands-on approach to research.

Appointment Details:

• Salary: Competitive, in the range of 30,000 – 40,000 USD per annum, commensurate with experience.
• Contract: The position is offered on a yearly contract basis. The initial contract is extendable by six months, subject to performance and approval from the research center.
• Principal Investigator: Kumar Vikrant.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter detailing their research experience and motivation for this specific project, along with a comprehensive CV, to the Principal Investigator, Prof. Kumar Vikrant, at vikrant.k@vinuni.edu.vn. Please include “Postdoc Application: Project AURORA” in the subject line of your email.