Research Assistant Professor Jobs in Massachusetts

JOB TITLE

Assistant Research Professor

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Chemical Engineering

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified Assistant Research Professor to join the Department of Chemical Engineering at WPI. The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge computational research aimed at developing machine learning algorithms to enhance multi-scale simulations in catalysis. This work will contribute to next-generation technologies involving plasma catalysis, field-enhanced catalysis, electrocatalysis, and materials science. The position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of machine learning and kinetics in advanced catalytic processes. In addition to research, the candidate will contribute to proposal development, lead manuscript preparation and publication efforts, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, manage day-to-day laboratory operations, and maintain and expand computational resources to support ongoing research activities.

The initial appointment is for 12 months, with potential for renewal based on performance and funding availability.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities:

• Develop and apply multi-scale simulation frameworks for complex catalytic systems.
• Design and implement generalizable machine learning algorithms (e.g., graph neural networks) and large language model to accelerate and couple multi-scale simulations in catalysis.
• Lead and contribute to proposal development and manuscript preparation, including conducting comprehensive literature reviews and disseminating research outcomes.
• Present research findings at scientific meetings and conferences, and actively engage with the broader research community.
• Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students, fostering a collaborative and productive research environment.
• Manage day-to-day laboratory operations and coordinate research activities within the group.
• Maintain and expand computational resources, including high-performance computing workflows and data infrastructure, to support ongoing research efforts.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned by the principal investigator.

Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in multi-scale simulations.
• Proficiency in machine learning techniques, particularly in scientific applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Prior experience mentoring students and a track record of scholarly publications is desirable.

Compensation:

Salary: $70,000. WPI's benefits package includes a robust retirement match, wellness perks, tuition assistance and more!

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.

About WPI

WPI is a vibrant, active, and diverse community of extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, and state of the art research facilities. At WPI, we have competitive and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, long-term care, retirement, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, work-life balance and much more.

Diversity & Inclusion at WPI

WPI is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected; a place where every student, faculty and staff member can be themselves, so that they can study, live, and work comfortably, to reach their full potential, and make meaningful contributions in order to meet departmental and institutional goals. WPI thrives on innovative practice and welcomes diverse perspectives, insight, and people from diverse lived experiences, to enhance the community environment and propel the institution to the next level in a competitive, global marketplace.