Temporary Nonexempt

The candidate will work on projects around lignin nanoparticle applications and biomass pretreatment, with some room to expand into related areas depending on interest and progress.

Job Responsibilities:

• Developing and characterizing lignin-based nanoparticles for applications such as antimicrobial materials, controlled release systems, and sustainable coatings.
• Biomass Pretreat: focus on improving biomass deconstruction efficiency (e.g., mechanical refining, alkaline or DES-based approaches) and understanding how pretreatment impacts downstream conversion, separation, and material performance.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in chemical engineering or a closely related discipline with a strong foundation in material and energy balances, transport phenomena, and basic reaction engineering.
• Demonstrate familiarity with laboratory practices, including safe handling of chemicals, data collection, and analytical techniques such as chromatography or spectroscopy.
• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, MATLAB, or Python) and basic process modeling is preferred.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to document experimental results and present findings clearly, are essential.

Pay Range: $16.46 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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