Full job description
Location: Department of Chemistry, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
Job Type: Two Years – Full Time
Collaborative Project: The Université de Sherbrooke, in collaboration with Ecofilter Tek, is pioneering the development of a new generation of membranes and ion exchange resins for the food and water filtration industries. These innovative projects are actively advancing applications in the dairy sector for protein filtration and extraction, as well as in environmental sectors for the removal of PFAS and heavy metals from water.
Job Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to join our project focused on developing and applying advanced ion exchange resins for the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and heavy metals from drinking water. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in water science. This project integrates fundamental material science with applied water treatment technologies to address critical challenges in water safety.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct experimental studies on PFAS and heavy metal removal from drinking water using ion exchange resins.
- Perform Rapid Small-Scale Column Tests (RSSCTs) and other pilot-scale water treatment evaluations.
- Characterize water quality parameters (pH, alkalinity, hardness, NOM, competing ions) and assess their influence on removal efficiency.
- Develop and apply water analysis methods, including standard techniques for contaminant quantification.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare manuscripts, reports, and presentations.
- Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team and contribute to knowledge transfer across research and application partners.
Qualifications:
- PhD in Environmental Engineering, Material Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong background in drinking water treatment processes (ion exchange, adsorption, filtration, etc.)
- Knowledge of PFAS chemistry, heavy metal speciation, and their behavior in drinking water systems.
- Knowledge of water quality parameters, such as pH, alkalinity, hardness, TOC, DOC, etc.
- Knowledge of treatment vessel design for different media types and practical considerations for transaction from lab to pilot to full-scale systems.
- Experience conducting RSSCTs, column studies, or pilot-scale water treatment experiments.
- Proficiency with analytical methods such as LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS, ion chromatography, or equivalent techniques for water analysis.
- Demonstrated ability to design and conduct experiments, analyze complex datasets, and communicate results effectively.
- Strong record of scientific writing and publications.
Reporting: The postdoctoral Fellow will email a weekly report in the form of PowerPoint slides. The slides must include acquired data (images, graphs, etc.) and a description of each data presented in the slide. The post-doc will attend weekly group meetings and present research findings weekly bases to all members of the group. While working on the funded research projects, the post-doc Associate may need to travel to present her/his data, visit other universities, company/plant sites and meet with scientists 4 to 8 times per year, depending on project requirements.
The postdoctoral Fellow opportunity requires an individual that is available to work a non-standard schedule as needed to conduct research and experiments. This is not a typical 9 am-5 pm, Monday through Friday position due to the many active projects that are in process in our research team.
Note: This is a one-year agreement with the possibility of extension based upon satisfactory performance. Also, there is an option to be hired at Ecofilter Tek after finishing this postdoctoral fellow position.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, name and email address of three references, and any relevant publications to yiming.chen@usherbrooke.ca with the subject line “Postdoc Application-Water- [Your Name].”
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $45,000.00-$55,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
