Assistant Specialist in Mechanical Engineering (Multiple Hire Recruitment)

Assistant Specialist is available at University of California, Merced , in the Mechanical Engineering Department. The Assistant Specialist will be working with Dr. Po-Ya Abel Chuang performing the following in the Thermal and Electrochemical Energy Laboratory as directed by PI.

Dr. Abel Chuang, is looking for self-motivated, creative, enthusiastic and highly qualified specialist in electrochemical cell diagnostic, characterzation, and simulation research. The topics of research include fuel cell and electrolysis cell study. The successful candidate will have previous training and have an established track record in experimental and/or simulation study of electrochemical technologies such as PEM and AEM fuel cell and electrolysis cells or CO2 electrolysis cell. The specialist is also expected to stay abreast of recent publications in the field, carry out research independently, implement and develop research ideas and write research articles. The specialist will be expected to assist with mentoring graduate students and undergraduate students who will work on the project, and to be in charge of properly maintaining all equipment in the lab.

Applicants must possess a master's degree (or equivalent degree), or five years of experience in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials, or a related field. Engineering knowledge of transport phenomena and interaction of fluid flow, heat transfer, charge transport, and kinetic reaction is required. Applicant must possess strong written and verbal communication skills. The candidate must demonstrate experience in several of the following areas:
1) novel catalyst material synthesis and electrochemical evaluation;
2) experiences with physico-chemical analysis equipment, such as SEM, TEM, XRD, EDX, XPS, etc.;
3) fuel cell or electrolysis cell testing and diagnostics;
4) catalyst/ionomer material, ink study, and MEA processing; and/or
5) simulation of fuel cell, electrolysis cell and electrochemical devices.

In addition to the basic qualifications, applicants that are highly self-motivated individuals, who have demonstrated the ability to conduct scientific research successfully and work independently are desirable.

• 3-5 letters of reference required

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https://cie.ucmerced.edu/analytics-hub/student-statistics), UC Merced is committed to interdisciplinary excellence in research and teaching as well as to diversity, equity and inclusion. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced provides outstanding educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California. The Merced 2020 Project doubled the physical capacity of the campus, and enhanced academic distinction, student success, and research excellence (https://merced2020.ucmerced.edu/).

The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy.