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Water Filtration and Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Post-doctoral Researcher
University of California, Los Angeles, Water Technology Research Center

Job description

UCLA's Water Technology Research (WaTeR) Center has a position open for an experienced post-doctoral engineer/technician with experience in the design, assembly, and operation of water filtration and small reverse osmosis (RO) systems for brackish water treatment and desalination. The position requires (a) oversight/monitoring of the operation of laboratory pilot and field systems; (b) experience in the installation of treatment system components (pumps, valves, sensors, membranes, dosing pumps), and interacting with component vendors and the system fabricators; (c) installation and operation of industrial PLC and programming; (d) oversee laboratory and field tests of system components and working with research team on required system refinements of local system controls/monitoring systems; and (e) knowledge of membrane-based systems operation, monitoring, and process data analysis.

The mission of the WaTeR Center is to advance technologies of water treatment and desalination to develop new and affordable alternative sources of potable, irrigation, and consumptive water use. The Center's activities encompass science-based innovation, technology evaluation, advanced education, and rapid information dissemination. The position provides unique opportunities to be involved with and contribute to a globally visible program in water technology and interact with water agencies and industry.

The WaTeR Center is located at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The salary is competitive and will be commensurate with the candidate's experience/qualifications and includes a medical insurance program.

Major Responsibilities:
• Oversee/manage the operation, retrofit, and operation of RO/NF systems that includes a treatment train consisting of a Hydrocyclone, microfiltration, and ultrafiltration, along with dosing of pretreatment chemicals (~2,000 – 48,000 gallons/day water production).
• Contribute to a team effort to evaluate membrane-based separation systems (e.g., MF, UF, RO) and associated monitoring, control, and antiscalant and coagulant dosing systems for water treatment and desalination.
• Assist in the preparation of reports regarding the operation of the water treatment systems and interface with state-certified laboratories and regulators.
• Support regulatory-mandated sampling of source and treated water associated with the managed water treatment/desalination systems.

Qualifications:
Education: An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Chemical, Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering or field-related experience as described below.
Experience: Development and working familiarity with the design, deployment/operation of membrane-based water treatment/desalination systems (capacity of ~1,000 -40,0000 gallons/day), including feed pre-treatment and product water post-treatment/disinfection. Experience with process control systems (hardware and software), including industrial PLC and LabView, would be a strong asset.
Certification: As part of the effort, it will be most beneficial for the researcher to become a certified California Water System Operator (T-2 level, acquired while working at the Center through short online training).

How to Apply:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please contact Prof. Samanvaya Srivastava (samsri@ucla.edu) or Prof. Yoram Cohen (yoram@ucla.edu) via Email and include your resume/CV and contact information for at least two references.