Student Researcher – Nanofiber Catalysts for CO₂ Conversion
Location: Long Island University (LIU Post)
Hours per Week:11 hours (flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments)
Position Overview
Dr. Ping Lu’s research laboratory at Long Island University seeks a motivated part-time Student Researcher to support an NSF-funded project focused on the design, synthesis, and characterization of nanofiber-encapsulated catalysts for carbon dioxide (CO₂) conversion into value-added chemicals and fuels.
This position offers hands-on training in catalyst synthesis, reactor-based catalytic testing, and advanced materials characterization, with strong mentorship in fundamental catalysis and sustainable materials research. The student will contribute directly to ongoing research activities and may have opportunities for conference presentations and co-authorship on peer-reviewed publications, depending on performance and duration of involvement.
Key Responsibilities
•Assist with the synthesis and fabrication of nanofiber-based and supported catalysts using established laboratory protocols
•Conduct catalyst testing using flow-bed reactors and high-pressure autoclave reactor systems for CO₂ conversion reactions
•Perform basic catalyst characterization and product analysis, including use of GC-MS and FTIR
•Support data collection, analysis, and interpretation related to catalytic performance and stability
•Maintain accurate laboratory records and adhere to safe laboratory practices
•Collaborate effectively with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty within a multidisciplinary research environment
Basic Qualifications
•Must be enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program
•Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2
•Coursework in chemistry or a closely related discipline
Additional Qualifications
•Prior experience or demonstrated interest in catalyst synthesis and materials characterization
•Ability and willingness to learn fundamental concepts in heterogeneous catalysis
•Experience searching, reading, and interpreting peer-reviewed scientific literature
•Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for data organization and reporting
•Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and commitment to high-quality research
Preferred Qualifications
•Completion of CHM 3 (or equivalent advanced chemistry coursework) at LIU
•Previous hands-on laboratory experience with catalysis, materials science, or chemical engineering research
Work Environment
•Emphasis on safe, clean, and well-documented laboratory practices
•Opportunities to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team
•Supportive mentoring environment designed to prepare students for graduate school, industry, or research careers
LIU is an equal opportunity employer. LIU is committed to extending equal opportunities in employment to all qualified candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community. LIU encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, veteran or military status, age, disability, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state or federal laws. Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the United States.