Mehdi Tajvidi – News
April 30 2018
School of Forest Resources, University of Maine, Orono, ME
Postdoctoral Research Associate Position Announcement
The Laboratory of Renewable Nanomaterials (LRN) of the School of Forest Resources at the University of Maine is seeking applicants for a two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate Position to work on a recently funded project to develop pilot-scale production methods and products made using nanofibrils (CNF) for building applications. The work relies on promising results obtained at the University of Maine using CNF as binder. The ultimate goal of the project is to produce building materials based on CNF that can be used for interior wall covering and flooring. Various production techniques and property evaluation methodologies will be investigated. Salary for this position is $44,000.
- Design and develop methodologies to produce molded low-density panels made of wood particles and CNF on pilot scale
- Design and develop methodologies to produce wallboard systems using wood particles, CNF and other materials on pilot scale
- Design and develop methodologies to produce flooring systems using cement, wood particles and CNF on pilot scale
- Evaluate physical and mechanical properties of the products in accordance to relevant standard test methods
- Perform SEM, AFM and TEM microscopy
- Preform statistical analysis to compare obtained results
- Research and recommend purchase for equipment, materials and supplies for use in all cellulose nanocomposites research projects.
- Represent U of Maine at appropriate national conferences.
- Engage clientele in commercialization of developed composite technologies.
- Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.
- Publish results in appropriate peer reviewed journals.
- A Ph.D. in Mechanical, Civil, Chemical Engineering, Polymer science, Wood and bio-products engineering, Materials Science or related disciplines required.
- Hands-on experience with composite materials processing/production especially wood based panels required.
- Hands-on experience with general analytical techniques of material characterization and testing is required.
- Experience with cellulose nanofiber applications and modifications as well as cement is highly desired.
- Demonstrated excellent organizational, written and oral communication skills are required.
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment is required.
- Applicants must be eligible to accept employment in the United States at the time the appointment is made.
Work Environment: Work will take place at the University of Maine, Orono, ME, U.S.A. Employee could potentially be exposed to biosafety levels II (BSL II) pathogens and toxins. The employee will be expected to work collaboratively to develop methodologies and conduct experiments, responding flexibly and creatively to input from the Poject Director and researchers.
Work Year: Full-time, one fiscal year appointment.
Work Schedule: Normal UMaine business hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Due to the nature of the position, work beyond regular hours (to include evenings and weekends) will be necessary to meet the requirements of the position. The employee shall establish regular office hours and in consultation with the supervisor, adjust the work schedule as appropriate.
Position Type: In accordance with Procedures for Appointing Postdoctoral Research Associates: initial appointment may be up to one year with renewal contingent upon successful performance.
Schedule for Evaluation: In the initial six months of employment and annually thereafter in accordance with the UMPSA agreement.
Appropriate background checks are required.
All UMS employees are required to comply with applicable policies and procedures, as well as to complete applicable workplace related screenings, and required employee trainings, such as Information Security, Safety Training, Workplace Violence, and Sexual Harassment.
How to apply: Materials must be submitted via “Apply For Position“. You will need to create a profile and application; upload a cover letter and a resume/curriculum vitae which fully describes your qualifications and experiences with specific reference to the required and preferred qualifications; and provide contact information for three professional references. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable pool of candidates is found.
Please direct questions to Dr. Mehdi Tajvidi at mehdi.tajvidi@maine.edu
The University of Maine System is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status and gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. Please contact the Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 N. Stevens Hall, Orono, ME 04469 at 207-581-1226 (voice), TTY 711 (Maine Relay System), or equal.opportunity@maine.edu with questions or concerns.
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New! December 22 2015 (THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED, last update March 1 2016)
School of Forest Resources, University of Maine, Orono, ME
Postdoctoral Research Associate Position Announcement
Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate
Department: School of Forest Resources of the University of Maine
Reports to: Dr. Mehdi Tajvidi
Bargaining Unit: UMPSA
Purpose: To provide an individual who has recently been awarded a doctorate to undertake the responsibilities and development of a researcher. Coordinate, manage, and conduct research to serve the needs of the University of Maine.
Annual salary: $40,000 plus standard benefits according to the UMPSA agreement
Synopsis:
The School of Forest Resources at the University of Maine is seeking applicants for a one-year postdoctoral Research Associate Position to work on a recently funded project to develop fire resistant adhesive-free fiberboard panels made with cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) made from whole wood. This position will conduct an initial range of experiments necessary to develop fundamental knowledge needed to produce fiberboard panels that could complete with or replace urea-formaldehyde resin treated panels by using CNF obtained through minimum pre-processing. The work relies on promising preliminary results obtained at the University of Maine making particleboard panels using CNF. In this system, CNF is the sole adhesive binder of the composite panel providing strong, stiff and at the same time fully recyclable interior type panels. Various production techniques and property evaluation methodologies will be investigated.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Initial exploratory processing and fabrication of panels to gain basic experience in processing, forming, and pressing the material into a panel product with acceptable properties.
- Produce CNF from whole wood by mechanical fibrillation.
- Perform standard fiberboard testing according to ASTM D1037 specification and ANSI 208.2 for flexural properties (MOR and MOE), internal bond, screw withdrawal resistance, water absorption/thickness swelling and linear expansion with change in moisture content.
- Perform fire resistance tests according to ASTM E1354.
- Preform statistical analysis to compare obtained results with those of commercial fiberboard.
- Research and recommend purchase for equipment, materials and supplies for use in all cellulose nanocomposites research projects.
- Represent U of Maine at an appropriate national conference.
- Engage clientele in commercialization of developed nanocomposite technologies.
- Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.
- Assist in preparation of an appropriate peer reviewed paper.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer, Wood, Materials Science or related engineering discipline required.
- Wood composite materials processing/production experience required.
- Hands-on experience with fiberboard or other fiber-based wood composites production and testing is required.
- Experience with cellulose nano fiber production and modification is highly desired.
- Demonstrated excellent organizational, written and oral communication skills are required.
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
- Applicants must be eligible to accept employment in the United States at the time the appointment is made.
Supervisory Responsibility: None.
Work Environment: Work will take place at the University of Maine, Orono, ME, U.S.A. Employee could potentially be exposed to biosafety levels II (BSL II) pathogens and toxins. The employee will be expected to work collaboratively to develop methodologies and conduct experiments, responding flexibly and creatively to input from the Project Director and researchers.
Work Year: Full-time, one fiscal year appointment.
Work Schedule: Normal UMaine business hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Due to the nature of the position, work beyond regular hours (to include evenings and weekends) will be necessary to meet the requirements of the position. The employee shall establish regular office hours and in consultation with the supervisor, adjust the work schedule as appropriate.
Position Type: In accordance with Procedures for Appointing Postdoctoral Research Associates: initial appointment may be up to one year with renewal contingent upon funding and performance. Maximum duration of this appointment is 2 years.
Schedule for Evaluation: In the initial six months of employment and annually thereafter in accordance with the UMPSA agreement.
Appropriate background checks are required.
All UMS employees are required to comply with applicable policies and procedures, as well as to complete applicable workplace related screenings, and required employee trainings, such as Information Security, Safety Training, Workplace Violence, and Sexual Harassment.
How to apply:
Interested applicants are requested to compile the following documents in a single PDF file and send the application package to Project Director (Dr. Mehdi Tajvidi) via email at mehdi.tajvidi@maine.edu. Materials to be submitted are: 1) a cover letter, 2) a resume/curriculum vitae which fully describes your qualifications and experiences and provides contact information for three professional references, 3) academic transcripts, and 4) statement of professional philosophy. Any questions regarding the position should be forwarded to Dr. Mehdi Tajvidi. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable pool of candidates is found.
The University of Maine is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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May 11 2015 (THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED)
Joint Postdoctoral Research Associate Position at UMaine/FPL
School of Forest Resources, University of Maine, Orono, ME
Postdoctoral Research Associate Position Announcement
Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate
Department: School of Forest Resources of the University of Maine in collaboration with Forest Products Laboratory (FPL), Madison, WI
Reports to: Mehdi Tajvidi (U of Maine); John F. Hunt (Forest Products Laboratory)
Bargaining Unit: UMPSA
Purpose: To provide an individual who has recently been awarded a doctorate to undertake the responsibilities and development of a researcher. Coordinate, manage, and conduct fundamental cellulose nanocomposite research to serve the needs of the University of Maine and USDA, Forest Products Laboratory researchers.
Annual salary: $40,000 plus standard benefits according to the UMPSA agreement
Synopsis:
The School of Forest Resources at the University of Maine is seeking applicants for a one-year postdoctoral Research Associate Position to work on a recently funded project to develop adhesive-free particleboard panels made with cellulose nanofibrils (CNF). The work will be in collaboration with the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) in Madison, WI and the hired person will be working at the FPL. This position will conduct an initial range of experiments necessary to develop fundamental knowledge needed to produce particleboard panels that could complete with or replace urea-formaldehyde resin treated panels by using CNF. The work relies on promising preliminary results obtained at the University of Maine. In this system, CNF is the sole adhesive binder of the composite panel providing strong, stiff and at the same time fully recyclable interior type particleboard panels. Various production techniques and property evaluation methodologies will be investigated. The panels will be investigated using basic analyses to include some of the following: surface properties, theoretical calculations, mixing methodologies, panel strength properties, etc.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Initial exploratory processing and fabrication of panels to gain basic experience in processing, forming, and pressing the material into a panel product with acceptable properties.
2. Key variables will be identified and an outline for a design of experiment for this initial series will be developed. As part of this design of experiments key evaluations will be conducted to develop a better understanding of the synergistic qualities of both wood materials and their interaction with the processing variables. Variables may include varying percentages of wood particles:CNF; wood particle size; wood type; forming method (wet, semi-wet, extrusion). The initial goal is to develop methods to form material into panels of approximately 12 mm thickness at 700 kg/m3 density. Attempts will be made to optimize board properties at a CNF content of 10-15% by weight. Wood particles will include typical particleboard furnish as well as wood flour, which has a more uniform particle size distribution.
3. Perform standard particleboard testing according to ASTM D1037 specification and ANSI 208.1 for flexural properties (MOR and MOE), internal bond, nail withdrawal resistance, water absorption/thickness swelling and linear expansion with change in moisture content.
4. Preform statistical analysis to compare obtained results with those of commercial particleboard.
5. Research and recommend purchase for equipment, materials and supplies for use in all cellulose nanocomposites research projects.
6. Represent UMaine and FPL at an appropriate national conference.
7. Engage clientele in commercialization of developed nanocomposite technologies.
8. Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.
9. Assist in preparation of an appropriate peer reviewed paper.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL QUALIFICATIONS:
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Polymer, Wood, Materials Science or related engineering discipline required.
• Polymer processing/composite materials experience required.
• Hands-on experience with particleboard or other fiber-based wood composites production and testing is required.
• Experience with cellulose nano fiber production and modification is highly desired.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational, written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Applicants must be eligible to accept employment in the United States at the time the appointment is made.
Supervisory Responsibility: None.
Work Environment: Work will take place at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, WI, primarily in the Centennial Research Lab building or at the University of Maine if necessary. Employee could potentially be exposed to biosafety levels II (BSL II) pathogens and toxins. The employee will be expected to work collaboratively to develop methodologies and conducts experiments, responding flexibly and creatively to input from the Project Director and researchers.
Work Year: Full-time, one fiscal year appointment.
Work Schedule: Normal Forest Products Laboratory business hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Due to the nature of the position, work beyond regular hours (to include evenings and weekends) will be necessary to meet the requirements of the position. The employee shall establish regular office hours and in consultation with the supervisor, adjust the work schedule as appropriate.
Position Type: In accordance with Procedures for Appointing Postdoctoral Research Associates: initial appointment may be up to one year with renewal contingent upon funding and performance. Maximum duration of this appointment is 2 years.
Schedule for Evaluation: In the initial six months of employment and annually thereafter in accordance with the UMPSA agreement in case of renewal.
Appropriate background checks are required.
All UMS employees are required to comply with applicable policies and procedures, as well as to complete applicable workplace related screenings, and required employee trainings, such as Information Security, Safety Training, Workplace Violence, and Sexual Harassment.
How to apply:
Interested applicants are requested to compile the following documents in a single PDF file and send the application package to Project Director (Dr. Mehdi Tajvidi) via email at mehdi.tajvidi@maine.edu with a copy to Project Supervisor (Dr. John F. Hunt) at jfhunt@fs.fed.us. Materials to be submitted are: 1) a cover letter, 2) a resume/curriculum vitae which fully describes your qualifications and experiences and provides contact information for three professional references, 3) academic transcripts, and 4) statement of professional philosophy. Any questions regarding the position should be forwarded to the two contact persons identified above. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable pool of candidates is found.
The University of Maine is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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October 2 2014
Umaine receives funding to do research aimed at commercialization of cellulose nanomaterials.
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New! Monday July 7th 2014 (THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED)
Master’s student research assistantship available at the University of Maine
Synopsis:
A newly funded project will be starting soon at the School of Forest Resources, University of Maine. The project will support a Master’s student for two years on a research assistantship. The project will be focused on the production and property evaluation of a novel high density packaging material made with paper laminates and cellulose nanofibrils. The experimental work will involve laboratory experiments to produce paper laminates, traditional paper and composite material mechanical property tests, environmental durability assessment using dynamic mechanical tests run under various temperature and relative humidity conditions, creep/stress relaxation tests and modelling mechanical properties using the classical laminate theory.
Qualifications:
An undergraduate degree in wood science, forest products, pulp and paper, chemistry, chemical/mechanical/materials engineering or other closely related disciplines is required. The ideal candidate is expected to have working knowledge of a variety of production and characterization techniques including but not limited to composite materials processing, mechanical characterization, viscoelastic properties and dynamic mechanical analysis. In addition, the ideal applicant is a team worker, has a high level of intellectual curiosity and can work independently. Good written and verbal communication skills are expected. GRE scores are required, international students must also have acceptable TOEFL scores or equivalent.
Assistantship:
The position has an annual stipend of $30,000. In addition, half the Annual Health Insurance fee will be provided. All tuition and fees will be the responsibility of the successful candidate. Operating funds for conducting research and travel will also be available.
How to apply:
Send a Statement of Purpose with your C.V., degree transcripts, recommendation letters and GRE and TOEFL scores to:
Mehdi Tajvidi, Assistant Professor of Renewable Nanomaterials, mehdi.tajvidi@maine.edu
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NEW! Monday June 2nd 2014 (THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED)
Immediate Master’s or Ph.D. Opening
An immediate graduate research assistantship is available at the School of Forest Resources, University of Maine in the area of Renewable Nanomaterials to support a highly qualified M.Sc. or PhD student to start in September 2014. Particular emphasis will be placed on production, characterization and performance evaluation of nanocellulose and its composites. The exact topic of the research is open to discussion but will be within one of areas outlined below:
– Novel techniques to produce cellulose nanomaterials from forest resources
– Production of new composite materials incorporating nanocellulose for various applications
– Modelling physical and mechanical properties of renewable nanomaterials and their composites
– Nanomechanical characterization of renewable nanomaterials
– Developing methods for the efficient application of nanocellulose in paper and packaging industry
– Durability assessment of nanocomposites made from renewable resources
– All-cellulose nanocomposites
– Specialty nanomaterials for special applications including magnetic and sensor applications
– Viscoelastic properties of renewable nanomaterials and their composites
Qualifications:
For the Master’s student, a B.S. degree in wood science, forest products, pulp and paper, chemistry, chemical/mechanical/materials engineering or other closely related disciplines and for the PhD student, an additional M.Sc. degree is required. The ideal candidate is expected to have hands on experience with a variety of production and characterization techniques including but not limited to composite materials processing, mechanical characterization, viscoelastic properties, dynamic mechanical analysis, various microscopy techniques (AFM, SEM, TEM), surface modification and related techniques. In addition, the ideal applicant is a team worker, has a high level of intellectual curiosity and can work independently. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are expected. GRE scores are required, international students must also have acceptable TOEFL scores or equivalent.
Assistantship:
An annual salary of up to $19,123 paid in 12 monthly installments plus half the Annual Health Insurance fee and full tuition waiver (for up to 9 credits in the fall, 9 credits in the spring and up to 6 in the summer) will be provided for an expected 20 hours per week appointment. Operating funds for conducting research and travel will also be available.
How to apply:
Send a Statement of Purpose with your C.V., degree transcripts, recommendation letters and GRE and TOEFL scores to:
Mehdi Tajvidi, Assistant Professor of Renewable Nanomaterials, mehdi.tajvidi@maine.edu
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Thursday January 9th 2014
Current running research projects posted:
http://forest.umaine.edu/faculty-staff/directory/mehdi-tajvidi/research/
Interested people please contact me at mehdi.tajvidi(at)maine.edu.
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