Industrial/Process Engineer
Department Description:
The Department of Environment of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (ESE) focuses on the interface between people and the environment with interdisciplinary programs in air quality, atmospheric processes, human exposure and health effects, and sustainable water resources, drawn from faculty expertise In the physical and life sciences engineering and policy. The Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (ESE) is an academic and research department located in the Gillings School of Global Public Health and has 24 faculty, 29 joint and adjunct faculty, 14 administrative staff members, and 7 research staff members. It has about 120 graduate students. The mission of the Gillings School of Global Public Health is to improve public health, promote individual well-being, and eliminate health disparities across North Carolina and around the world.
Position Description:
This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.
This position is located in the Environmental Sciences and Engineering Department in the Gillings School of Global Public Health. The NC Pure Project (www.ncpure.org) is a multi-million-dollar PFAS Remediation Pilot Project funded by the NC Collaboratory and headquartered at UNC Chapel Hill. The Industrial/Process Engineer will be a part of a large and dynamic research team under the direction of Dr. Coronell (Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences and Engineering) and Dr. Frank Leibfarth (Associate Professor of Chemistry). The Industrial/Process Engineer will lead manufacturing of novel granular sorbents for remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from natural waters. The Industrial/Process Engineer will be responsible for identifying, procuring, and installing manufacturing equipment capable of performing required reactions, evaluating the current laboratory-scale manufacturing process and optimizing the process for larger (multi-kilogram) scales, and ensuring quality control of the synthesis and manufacturing process. The Industrial/Process Engineer will be responsible for maintenance of manufacturing equipment, including jacketed reactors, filtration, and drying equipment. The Industrial/Process Engineer will work with the Lead Research Chemist and Environmental Engineering Team to produce the granular sorbent on scales necessary to implement in pilot water treatment systems. The Industrial/Process Engineer will interact with the appropriate partners/ collaborators/ vendors/ supporters/ funders to accomplish the manufacturing goals. The position will require a trained Industrial, Chemical, Mechanical, Process or similar Engineer, or Chemist, with experience in process flow, production efficiency, equipment installation and maintenance. Experience in heating/cooling of large reactors and understanding of electrical components is also desirable. The ideal candidate will work well as part of an interdisciplinary team, will be enthusiastic about learning new procedures and techniques, and will be committed to building a safe and inclusive laboratory environment.
Essential Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
The Industrial/Process Engineer will have the following essential competencies.
- Experience operating pilot-scale or larger manufacturing equipment, including jacketed chemical reactors.
- Experience assembling or maintaining pilot-scale manufacturing equipment.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team to problem-solve
- Skilled in basic chemical/thermodynamic principles, including heat flow, basic chemical reactions, and purification.
- Good oral and written communication skills, with the ability to interact productively with a diverse group of individuals through multiple communication modes.
Education Requirements:
Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Specific experience with granular media or polymeric systems is a preferred, but not required.
- Experience in project management is preferred.
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/249352
Department Contact Name and Title: Orlando Coronell, Associate Professor
Department Contact Telephone or Email: coronell@email.unc.edu
Office of Human Resources Contact Information: If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.