The Lab

Our Environmental Fate and Degradation of Organic Contaminants Lab (Environ-Chem Lab) was established in February 2021. Our research covers both fundamental and applied aspects and deals with diverse topics in Environmental Chemistry and Engineering. The key research subjects include transformation and degradation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), nontarget and high-throughput targeted analysis of emerging contaminants, DFT calculations on the reaction mechanisms and pathways, dechlorination and defluorination by functionalized zerovalent iron, soil and groundwater remediation, et al. We are equipped with advanced instruments and reactors for chemical analysis and degradation tests, including UPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS, UPLC-MS/MS, CIC, IC, HPLC, GCMS, freeze dryer, anaerobic chamber, et al. We also have all the access to the shared facilities and high-performance computing center on campus, which provide world-class instrumentation and services.

Lab website: https://environ-chem.lab.westlake.edu.cn/index.htm

The PI

Dr. Yanyan Zhang joined Westlake University in February 2021 and established the Environmental Fate and Degradation of Organic Contaminants Lab. Before that, she earned her PhD degree from Peking University and worked as a postdoc researcher at McGill University. She efforts in combining experimental investigations and theoretical calculations to elucidate the degradation of priority and emerging contaminants and to develop innovative materials and processes for water treatment and site remediation. Dr. Zhang has coauthored over 50 peer-reviewed journal papers, including Environmental Science & Technology, Water Research, et al.

Google scholar page: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=PNVFltwAAAAJ

Your Opportunity and Qualifications

1. We are currently hiring two postdoc researchers.

2. The candidate should

· be under the age of 35

· have a Ph.D. degree (or be expected to obtain one) in Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Chemical/Environmental Engineering, or other relevant fields, ideally within three years

· have published at least two first-authored peer-reviewed SCI papers

· have good communication and writing skills in English

· be able to work independently, to collaborate with others, and to respect and follow lab safety rules and research integrity.

3. The candidate can work on any of the following topics:

· quantum chemistry calculations (DFT) on the mechanisms of chemical reactions and chemical surface interactions

· nontarget analysis based on HRMS and machine learning

· degradation mechanisms and transformation behavior of PFAS

· homogenous, heterogeneous, and microbial degradation of fluorine- and chlorine-containing contaminants

· life cycle analysis (LCA) and simulations on the transport and multi-media distribution of organic contaminants.

4. Responsibilities

· Conducting experimental and theoretical research on the above topics and writing manuscripts for submission in peer-reviewed journals

· Attending conference and other academic activities

· Assisting the principal investigator in preparing grant applications

· Applying extra funding individually from the Postdoctoral Foundation of China, the Natural Science Foundation of China, and other places

· Assisting the principal investigator in training and tutoring graduate and undergraduate students in their research

· Developing standard operating procedures, maintaining selected lab instruments, and participating in the development and management of the lab

Compensation and Benefits

The research team offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. Applications for relevant projects and programs will be encouraged and supported.

For post-doc(s) who selected for China Postdoctoral Science Foundation or Advanced Programs of Zhejiang Province will be entitled to receive the same amount funds from the Hangzhou government.

For post-doc(s) who full-time work in Hangzhou after completing their post-doc research will be eligible for applying allowance of 400,000RMB from the Hangzhou government.

How to Apply

1. Please submit your complete application package including the following materials as a single pdf. file to zhangyanyan@westlake.edu.cn. In the subject line please indicate “Name + Postdoc application”.

· Cover letter including previous research statement and future research interests.

· Up-to-date CV with a full list of publications, and other relevant experience and achievements, e.g., patents, book chapter, list of conference presentations, teaching and tutoring experience, et al.

· Full text of two representative papers

· The name and contact information of three references.

2. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt until the positions are filled.