Associate Research Engineer/UK IDEA

Job Title
Associate Research Engineer/UK IDEA


Requisition Number
RE48282


Working Title

Department Name
8H755:UK IDEA


Work Location
Lexington, KY


Grade Level
46


Salary Range
$52,021-85,800/year


Type of Position
Staff


Position Time Status
Full-Time


Required Education

MS



Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies


Required Related Experience

No experience required.





Required License/Registration/Certification

None



Physical Requirements

To meet project requirements: lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects, climbing stairs and ladders, working outdoors, wearing PPE, sitting for extended periods of time, standing, walking, repetitive motion tasks, and exposure to noises, temperatures, chemicals, and fumes including waste.



Shift

Monday – Friday, Typical working hours, for example 8:30am – 5:00pm.

Some nights and weekends shift work may also be required to meet project demands



Job Summary

Are you ready to make a real impact on the future of sustainability? The Institute for Decarbonization and Energy Advancement (IDEA) at the University of Kentucky (UK) is seeking passionate and driven research engineers to join our dynamic team. Modeled after the legendary “Bell Laboratories,” IDEA offers a collaborative, inspiring, and forward-thinking environment. You’ll be part of cutting-edge research projects that span 3-5 years, where you can take your ideas from concept to demonstration and help scale them up for real-world application and commercialization.

Key Responsibilities for the Associate Research Engineer will include but are not limited to:


Bench Unit Operations:

• Operate UK’s bench-scale or field units to conduct experiments, ensuring equipment runs smoothly and meets project goals.
• Troubleshoot, modify, and maintain units while keeping records and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) up to date.
• Lead technical staff in equipment assembly, calibration, and modification based on project needs.
• Collect and analyze samples, ensuring high data quality throughout the project lifecycle.

Data and Reporting:

• Perform data collection, reduction, and interpretation for experiments, ensuring accuracy and alignment with project objectives.
• Contribute to scholarly publications and prepare regular reports and presentations for sponsors and stakeholders.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and safe handling of materials and supplies, ensuring all project needs are met.

The Department of Energy (DOE) requires that all foreign nationals associated with this grant be submitted for review and consideration. The successful candidate will be expected to satisfy the outlined requirements for foreign nationals. A “foreign national” is defined by DOE as any person who is not a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization. To further understand the details of these requirements, please go to: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/100-series/0142.3-B….

This position may require pre-employment drug screening as well as post-hire random drug and alcohol screening.



Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

A successful candidate will have a hands-on approach to experimentation and problem-solving; demonstrate experience in operating and troubleshooting lab or field-scale equipment; and work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team while working independently to meet project milestones.



Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No


Preferred Education/Experience

• Strong understanding of general engineering principles, including chemical kinetics, heat and mass transfer, and thermodynamics, particularly in process, chemical, and mechanical engineering.
• Experience in process integration, designing process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and reactor design using CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD). Entry/mid-level expertise in process automation (e.g., Raspberry Pi with Python) and data analysis/visualization tools like Excel, Python, MATLAB.
• Proficiency in computer and engineering software.
• Previous experience with process equipment (e.g., heat exchangers, pumps, blowers) and process instrumentation (e.g., temperature, pressure, pH, flow), as well as process controls (e.g., LabView, DeltaV, PLCs)
• Knowledge of aqueous CO2 capture chemistry, including speciation and physical properties.
• Familiarity with process unit operations.

Deadline to Apply
01/01/2025


Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.


As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.


Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.