Post-Doctoral Associate in Atmospheric Chemistry with Prof. Hannah Kenagy

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); Sur place; USD 62 000 - 70 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The Kenagy Lab at the University of Minnesota is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead field campaigns on particle formation chemistry in agricultural regions. The position focuses on deploying aerosol instruments and analyzing chemical data to advance air quality understanding.

The successful candidate will operate ACSM and SMPS, collaborate with Purdue partners, and contribute to publications and outreach, including hands-on youth workshops.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry or related field.
• Hands-on instrument calibration and operation experience.
• Experience in data analysis.
• Proficiency in Python or R for data analysis.
• Strong organizational skills in lab operations.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Familiarity with standard laboratory safety practices.

Responsabilités

• Calibrate, operate, and maintain aerosol instrumentation (ACSM, SMPS).
• Lead data processing and analysis for ACSM and SMPS.
• Mentor a graduate student during deployments.
• Engage in outreach with a 4H Youth Development specialist for hands-on workshops.
• Assist with dissemination through proposals and manuscripts.

Connaissances

Instrument calibration

Data analysis

Python/R

Communication skills

Lab operations

Safety practices

Formation

PhD in chemistry or related field

Outils

ACSM

SMPS

CI-ToF-MS

Description du poste

About the Job

Position Summary / Primary Purpose of Position: The Kenagy Lab (Department of Chemistry;https://kenagy.chem.umn.edu/) at the University of Minnesota isseeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join an upcoming ground-based field campaign focused on particle formation chemistry inagricultural regions. While agricultural emissions represent agrowing driver of air quality as urban emissions decline, theirunderlying atmospheric chemistry remains understudied–a criticalgap this project aims to fill. The successful candidate will leadthe deployment of aerosol instrumentation during this project andwill bring a strong foundation in atmospheric or environmentalchemistry, chemical analysis, data processing and analysis, anddissemination. This position is available starting in January 2027.The work schedule is typically Monday-Friday, with some weekendwork during field deployments (planned for 6 weeks in summer 2027and 4 weeks in summer 2028). Outside of deployment periods, thework schedule has increased flexibility to balance the field workdemands.

Principal Position Functions

30% Instrument Calibration, Operation, and Maintenance: Thisposition will lead the operation of an aerosol chemical speciationmonitor (ACSM) and scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) forparticle composition and size analysis, respectively. They willwork collaboratively with a UMN graduate student who will lead thedeployment of a chemical ionization time-of-flight massspectrometer (CI-ToF-MS) for gas analysis, as well as with a teamof collaborators from Purdue University who will measure trace gasfluxes.

30% Data Analysis: This position will lead the dataprocessing and data analysis for the ACSM and SMPS and will assistwith the processing and analysis of CI-ToF-MS data.

10% Mentorship:This position will work closely with a graduate student inpreparing for and completing the deployments.

10% Outreach: Thisposition will contribute to a collaboration with a 4H YouthDevelopment specialist to develop a hands-on workshop where highschool students explore agriculture and air quality throughlow-cost sensor building, field measurements, and data analysis.

20% Research Documentation, Dissemination, and Publication: Workwith the PI to plan and draft extramural research proposals andmanuscripts reporting study results. Contribute to the preparationof presentations and other research communications.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

• PhD in chemistry, atmospheric science, environmental science,engineering, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience with instrument calibration andoperation.
• Data analysis experience.
• Proficiency in statistical data analysis and coding (e.g.,Python, R).
• Strong organizational skills with experience in laboratoryoperations.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with standard laboratory safety practices.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

• A strong publication record demonstrating independent researchcontributions.
• Experience with mass spectrometry.
• Experience preparing research documentation such as manuscripts,grant applications, or regulatory submissions.
• A willingness to learn and expand skillset and researchinterests.
• Previous experience mentoring or supervising trainees,particularly undergraduate students.

About the Department

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Minnesota (UMN)provides a world-class education through classroom teaching andcutting-edge research. As a central, core discipline in science andengineering, chemistry is critical for solving society's mostimportant problems and making significant positive impacts on humanhealth, energy, and the environment. Our department of has been anational and international leader throughout its history. A widerange of companies and academic institutions from across the worldhire our graduates and collaborate with us on research. Departmentof Chemistry alumni have enormous societal impact as academicians,K-12 teachers, scientists and managers in industrial and governmentlaboratories, lawyers, public policy advocates, entrepreneurs, andin a diverse array of other fields. The department has 40 facultymember, 35 staff members, 30 post-doctoral associates and 230graduate students. Due to the breadth of our education and researchmissions.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $62,232 to $70,000 annually; depending oneducation/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for moreinformation regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional trainingand degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition BenefitProgram
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counselingat no cost
• Employee TransitPass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metroarea

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important tonote that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. Thisapproach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions ofeach candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of ourcommitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered toincoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successfulcompletion of a background check. Our presumption is thatprospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminalconvictions do not automatically disqualify finalists fromemployment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among thelargest public research universities in the country, offeringundergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude ofopportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of oneof the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities,students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit fromextensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers,international corporations, government agencies, and arts,nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized byForbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employerfor Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State(2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence &Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-lifeflexibility.