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Postdoctoral Research Opportunity – Entrepreneurial Lead in Sustainable Water Technology

February 24, 2026
The Kanatzidis Research Group at Northwestern is seeking a high-energy, entrepreneurial postdoctoral researcher to bridge the gap between breakthrough materials science and commercial deployment. The focus will be on scaling metal sulfide ion-exchangers (MSIEs) for industrial wastewater remediation. This role is not just about publishing; it is about tailoring and maturing the technology to meet the needs of heavy metal contaminant removal in aqueous systems. 

You will lead the scale-up and industrial validation of our Metal Sulfide Ion-Exchanger (MSIE) platform. With the global water treatment market projected to hit $150 billion by 2035, the goal of this position is to mature this technology for commercial impact. You will work at the intersection of the Kanatzidis Group’s world-class inorganic chemistry and the Trienens-Q accelerator’s commercialization ecosystem. 

 The Technology 

Our MSIE platform (including the KMS and NMS series) utilizes the Hard and Soft Acids and Bases (HSAB) theory to achieve unprecedented selectivity for toxic heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Hg) in complex, dynamic waste streams. Unlike traditional resins, our materials thrive in the "harsh and messy" conditions of real-world industrial effluents. 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Engineering for Scale: Transition lab-scale synthesis (grams) to robust, kilogram-scale production. Optimize the phase purity, performance, and reproducibility of MSIE platform materials. 
  • Pilot-Scale Validation: Design and execute continuous-flow remediation experiments. You will move beyond "batch tests" to develop composite beads and column configurations ready for industrial site-testing. 
  • Industry Liaison: Act as the primary technical point of contact for industry partners. You will manage NDAs, evaluate real industrial effluents, and translate lab data into "value-add" metrics for stakeholders. 
  • Entrepreneurial Strategy: Work with the Trienens-Q accelerator to conduct customer discovery, refine the business model, and assess the Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) of the MSIE platform. 

Qualifications 

  • Science: PhD in Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Deep experience in material characterization (XRD, SEM/EDS, ICP-OES) is desirable. 
  • Engineering: Hands-on experience with flow chemistry, column chromatography, or wastewater treatment systems. You should be comfortable "building things" and troubleshooting pilot rigs. 
  • Entrepreneurship: A demonstrated interest in startups or technology transfer. You should be able to explain the difference between a "gram" and a "unit cost" and be eager to engage with external customers. 
  • Communication: Ability to write both high-impact peer-reviewed papers and contribute to building compelling business pitch decks. 

How to Apply 

Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your research background and why you are interested in the "lab-to-market" journey. Email to both Mercouri Kanatzidis and Phillip William Carter. 

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.