Post Doctoral Research Associate

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New Jersey Institute of Technology is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate, one candidate with a substantial background in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or environmental science and sustainability to understand science and technology in EV battery recycling, reuse, and remanufacturing. The successful candidates will join a multidisciplinary team conducting a regional needs assessment for electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) battery recycling, reuse, and remanufacturing.

The role focuses on evaluating industry readiness for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), mapping regional end-of-life (EOL) infrastructure, and identifying strategies to support sustainable battery management in New Jersey and the Northeast.

• EPR & Policy Assessment:
  • Evaluate battery producers' current policies, practices, and approaches toward embracing EPR frameworks for battery EOL management.
• Infrastructure Mapping:
  • Identify essential business entities and processing facilities inside and outside New Jersey to draft a preliminary regional infrastructure framework.
• Impact & Strategy Development:
  • Identify current infrastructure limitations, formulate strategies to support regional capacity development, and assess the broader social, economic, and regulatory impacts.

• Technical & Scientific Analysis:
  • Evaluate the technical viability, safety, and efficiency of various EOL pathways (e.g., hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, direct recycling, and remanufacturing).
  • Asses how evolving battery chemistries impact regional recycling infrastructure and processing requirements.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Data Collection:
  • Gather and analyze data from battery manufacturers, recyclers, and regulatory bodies regarding EOL management practices.
  • Coordinate with regional stakeholders and public agencies to ensure alignment with state environmental and waste management goals.

• Reporting & Framework Design:
  • Synthesize findings into technical reports, policy briefs, and peer-reviewed publications.
  • Assist in developing a blueprint for regional infrastructure development and bottleneck mitigation.
    

• Education
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical or Environmental Engineering, Materials Science, Environmental Science, Sustainability Management, or a related discipline.
• Technical Expertise
  • Strong understanding of battery chemistry (specifically Lithium-ion) and chemical processing/recycling technologies or management and economics
• Communication
  • Proven track record of publishing peer-reviewed literature and presenting technical data to diverse audiences.

• Chemistry and Environmental Science
  

At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

NJIT 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. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, or other items. To learn more about the comprehensive benefits NJIT offers for this position, please visit our benefits page: https://hr.njit.edu/health-benefits.

As an EEO employer NJIT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive teaching, research, and working environment and strongly encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women.

Employment at NJIT is subject to the provisions of New Jersey First Act which mandates new employees, who are not NJ residents, to establish primary residence in New Jersey within one year of their appointment to certain positions. The law does not apply to any individual employed at NJIT on a temporary or per semester basis as a visiting or adjunct professor, teacher, lecturer, researcher or administrator. For more information on the act please click here.

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