Date: June 13, 2025
Title: Postdoctoral Scholar
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
School: Case School of Engineering
Location: Glennan Building
Start Date: September 2025 (or as soon as when the position is filled)
Supervisor Name and Title: Ya-Ting Liao, Associate Professor
POSITION OBJECTIVE
As an appointed Postdoctoral Scholar, this role supports the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the Great Lakes Energy Institute (GLEI) by contributing to the funded effort to develop curriculum in support of a Hydrogen workforce, and advancing team science through mentorship, teaching, and managing student researchers, as applicable. This role focuses on the development of programming, curricula, and associated materials related to fundamental hydrogen energy research.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Serve as a Postdoctoral Scholar and perform research directly supporting the Great Lakes Energy Institute’s development of academic and training programs at universities and community colleges in northern Ohio which will prepare the workforce required for the hydrogen economy. Work with faculty and staff to ensure the project remains on schedule and meets milestones as defined in the project scope of work. Record, analyze, and present data on all work relevant to the project. Work with faculty and research personnel to prepare reports on the progress of the program. Mentor and monitor graduate students and undergraduate students, as assigned, and maintain a team research environment through a comprehensive understanding of cross-cutting themes and research thrusts across all relevant domains. Participate in project discussions and project planning. (70%)
Support planning efforts for events and other programmatic requirements to implement the curriculum, recruit students, and ensure successful outcomes. (20%)
Be familiar with reporting and review for release requirements for supported research awards, coordinating with students and faculty to ensure research output, including but not limited to presentations, publications, and proceedings, are reviewed, documented, and disseminated in accordance with best practices and award requirements. (9%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform other duties as assigned. (1% - 2%)
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: PhD. Degree in Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline.
Experience: No post-terminal degree experience required. Experience and knowledge on hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and utilization are preferred.
REQUIRED SKILLS
1. Attention to detail and accuracy and time management skills.
2. Basic understanding of common practice and procedures within the field.
3. Oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
4. Ability to multitask, prioritize and meet deadlines.
5. Ability to work closely with colleagues.
6. Motivation, responsibility, and dependability.
7. Accurate data recording and note-taking.
8. Willingness to learn new techniques and procedures as needed.
9. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
10. Ability to interact with colleagues and supervisors.
WORKING CONDITIONS
General laboratory and office environments. This position may have contact with or exposure to the following hazards: chemicals, environmental exposure chambers and other laboratory equipment, processing equipment having pinch-points. In the event that laboratory safety training is required it will be provided. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is also required and will be provided, including gloves, lab coat and protective eyewear.
APPLICATION
Interested candidates are invited to apply by sending a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) that includes the names and contact information of two professional references. Please submit your application materials via email to [yating.liao@case.edu] with the subject line “Job Application – Postdoctoral Scholar (Hydrogen Academic Program”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.
Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities Applications requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216.368.3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.