Infrared Microscopy for Microplastics Characterization

National Institute of Standards and Technology; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Materials Measurement Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks a postdoctoral associate to advance a quantum cascade laser infrared microscopy technique for high-throughput measurement of microplastics in water.

You will collect and analyze IR hyperspectral images, address water absorption and scattering challenges, and collaborate with NIST researchers to publish method advancements and datasets.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Polymer Physics, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience with IR microscopy.
• Ability to analyze vibrational spectral data.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Advance instrumentation for high-throughput QCL-IR microscopy.
• Collect and analyze IR hyperspectral images of microplastics.
• Discuss progress and results with NIST staff.
• Present results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external stakeholders
• Write papers based on method advancements and datasets collected

Skills

IR microscopy

Hyperspectral imaging

Vibrational data

Communication

PhD in relevant field

US citizenship preferred

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Physics/Polymer Physics/related field

Job description

Infrared Microscopy for Microplastics Characterization

The Material Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking qualified persons (U.S. citizens preferred) to advance a novel quantum cascade laser (QCL) infrared (IR) microscopy technique for high-throughput measurement of size distribution and chemical identification of microplastic samples. The position will harness a groundbreaking QCL-IR imaging of microplastics in water by addressing nontrivial measurement problems due to the strong IR absorption by water and strong scattering contribution at <10 µm microplastics. The outputs of this work will help improve measurement assurance for microplastics characterization with less irregularity in sample preparation and more reproducibility in size quantitation. Working at NIST offers the rare opportunity to collaborate with world-class experts in a mission-driven environment, utilizing state-of-the-art microscopes to turn observations into reproducible science. It is a chance to leave a lasting legacy on the circular and champion sustainability by ensuring a foundation of sound measurement science.

Duties

• Advance the instrumentation for high-throughput QCL-IR microscopy
• Collect and analyze IR hyperspectral images of microplastics
• Discuss progress and results with NIST staff
• Present results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external stakeholders
• Write papers based on method advancements and datasets collected

Required Skills, Expertise, and Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, Physics, Polymer Physics, or a related field
• 2+ years of experience with IR microscopy
• Ability to analyze vibrational spectral data
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Employment Terms

This opportunity is to be a postdoctoral associate researcher in the Biosystems and Biomaterials Division at NIST for a term of one (1) year, with the potential to renew. Associate researchers are NOT Federal Employees, but they work alongside NIST researchers and with NIST’s world-class instrumentation. Relocation expenses will not be provided. U.S. citizens hired into associate positions may have the opportunity to seek longer term Federal Employment.

An Associate at NIST is not a federal employee but collaborates with NIST on research projects of mutual interest and does not work exclusively on NIST mission-related activities. If you have any questions, please contact the International and Academic Affairs Office at [e-mail] .