This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and thus requires that such institutions be the recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.
Research Title:
Postdoctoral Research Chemist
The work will entail:
Develop targeted and non-targeted analytical mass spectrometric methods for the identification and quantification of organic contaminants in ultra-pure water and other cleaning chemicals used in the semiconductor industry. Explore various extraction and concentration techniques (SPE, SPME, purge-and-trap, headspace, etc.) and/or develop novel concentration techniques to be able to detect contaminants at trace levels. Use high-resolution mass spectrometry for compound discovery of potential unknown organic contaminants.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Develop new methods, approaches, and procedures in cooperation with coworkers or advisors with limited supervision;
- Using advanced analytical equipment such as GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, GC-HRMS, LC-MS/MS, and LC-HRMS;
- Develop non-targeted high-resolution mass spectrometry-based methods for compound discovery at trace levels;
- Investigate various extraction and concentration protocols, and if needed develop novel techniques;
- Communicate and collaborate with team members; and
- Present and publish results as appropriate.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, or a related field.
- Experience in chromatography and mass spectrometry such as GC-HRMS, GC-MS/MS, LC-HRMS, LC-MS/MS, etc.
- Experience with non-targeted data analysis for compound discovery.
- Experience with method development.
- Experience with various sample extraction and concentration techniques.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.