Post Doctoral Research Position

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY AT QATAR, www.qatar.tamu.edu  

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING PROGRAM 

A Post-Doctoral Research position is immediately available under the supervision of Professor Ioannis Economou at the Chemical Engineering Program of Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) related to the project “Multi-scale Simulation Studies of Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis for the Gas-To-Liquid Process” funded by Qatar Shell. 

The Gas-To-Liquid (GTL) process is a major catalytic process in oil industry for the production of high value environmentally benign transportation fuels from synthesis gas.  The process is based on the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) and has attracted substantial interest by the academic and industrial community with research efforts devoted to optimization of various parameters including the catalyst, the catalyst support, temperature and pressure of the process, addition of promoters to the reacting mixture, and many others.  The combination of experimental and computational work at the molecular level is a powerful approach to develop fundamental understanding of the catalytic process that allows further improvements and optimization. Professor Economou and Shell have partnered since 2009 in developing a comprehensive thermodynamic model for the GTL process using molecular simulation, equations of state and empirical models, with several publications in high impact journals.

The current project will focus on the investigation of nanoparticle characteristics on FTS systems using coarsegrained molecular simulations. Density functional theory and machine learning techniques will be used for the development of new force fields to be used for these studies.  TiO₂ – supported Co nanoparticles of variable size and addition of hydrophobic polymer aiming to accelerate water removal from the nanoparticle surface will be examined.      

The project involves collaboration between the research group of Professor Economou at TAMUQ and Shell Technology Centres in Amsterdam, Bangalore and Doha.  The post-doc to be hired is expected to work closely with the industrial partner.    

An ideal candidate is expected to have:

• A PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Physics, Physical Chemistry or Materials Science with emphasis on molecular simulation of complex fluids under confinement,
• A strong publication record,
• Excellent programming skills in various platforms,
• Excellent knowledge of at least one molecular simulation package such GROMACS, LAMMPS, NAMD, etc.,
• A proven track record of successfully delivering complex software development projects,
• Strong cross-platform development skills (Linux, Windows) using modern toolkits,
• Independent thinking, self-motivation, and good interpersonal communication skills,
• Interest to work on cutting edge research projects in collaboration with industry.

The position is based in Doha, Qatar.  It is available immediately, for an initial period of one year that can be extended, based on progress and funding. The search will remain open until the position is filled. The salary is highly competitive and depends on qualifications and previous experience.  Incentives include fully furnished accommodation, Pre-K through 12 education assistance for eligible dependents, and group health insurance. 

Interested candidates should contact Professor Ioannis Economou at Ioannis.economou@qatar.tamu.edu 

The complete application should include a detailed CV, three suggested names for letters of reference, and copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts. 

More information about TAMUQ can be found at: http://www.qatar.tamu.edu

Acknowledgment

Funding from Qatar Shell is gratefully acknowledged.