Post Doctoral Research Associate, Environmental Microbiology

New Jersey Institute of Technology; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 54,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark recruits for a Post Doctoral Research Associate to advance environmental microbiology research on pollutant degradation. You will work on PFAS, plastics, and 1,4-dioxane transformation pathways, using cutting-edge analytical methods and bench-scale bioreactors.

The role emphasizes independent research, collaboration across disciplines, and high-quality scientific communication in English.

Qualifications

• PhD required in Environmental Science, Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology, or related fields.
• Strong hands-on experience in bacterial cultivation and nontarget analysis across pure cultures and environmental samples.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted techniques is a plus.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
• Collaborative spirit and passion for environmental sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Investigate transformation pathways driving degradation of legacy and emerging pollutants.
• Employ LC/MS/MS, HRMS and bacterial cultivation/isolation techniques.
• Collaborate on bench-scale bioreactors and other biological treatment systems.
• Publish impactful research and contribute to a multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Bacterial cultivation

Nontarget analysis

English communication

Education

PhD in Environmental Science/Analytical Chemistry/Microbiology

Tools

AI-assisted techniques

Job description

# **Title:**Post Doctoral Research Associate, Environmental Microbiology# **Reports To:**Chair # **Position Summary:**The Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science at NJIT is seeking highly motivated candidates for a postdocposition. We are looking for individuals passionate about environmental microbiology, eager to contribute to cutting-edge research on the biodegradation and biotransformation of environmental pollutants, such as PFAS, plastics, and 1,4-dioxane.# **Essential Functions:*** Investigate transformation pathways that drive the degradation of legacy and emerging pollutants.* Employ advanced analytical techniques such as LC/MS/MS, HRMS, as well as bacterial cultivation and isolation.* Collaborate on innovative projects involving bench-scale bioreactors and other biological treatment systems.* Publish impactful research and contribute to a dynamic team of interdisciplinary scientists. # **Pre-Requisite Qualifications:*** A PhD’s Degree in Environmental Science, Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology, or related fields.* Strong hands-on experience in bacterial cultivation and nontarget analysis, and working with both pure cultures and environmental samples.* Familiarity with the AI-facilitated techniques can be a plus.* Excellent communication and writing skills in English.* A collaborative spirit and a passion for environmental sustainability. # **Department:**Chemistry and Environmental Science # **Special Instructions for Applicant:*** The position is open immediately, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled.* The anticipated start date is as early as **Jan 1, 2027**.* Interested candidates should send their CV, a cover letter detailing their research experience and interests, and contact information for three references to **Dr. Mengyan Li** at *[e-mail]*. **At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.** # **Union:**United Council of Academic @ NJIT (UCAN GSRE) # **Range:**Post Docs # **Compensation:**$63,480.00NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, or other items. To learn more about the comprehensive benefits NJIT offers for this position, please visit our benefits page: https://hr.njit.edu/health-benefits. # **FLSA:**Exempt # **Time Type:**Full time # **Pay Rate:**Salary # **Additional Information:**As an EEO employer NJIT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive teaching, research, and working environment and strongly encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women. Employment at NJIT is subject to the provisions of New Jersey First Act which mandates new employees, who are not NJ residents, to establish primary residence in New Jersey within one year of their appointment to certain positions. The law does not apply to any individual employed at NJIT on a temporary or per semester basis as a visiting or adjunct professor, teacher, lecturer, researcher or administrator. For more information on the act please click here. If special accommodations are needed in applying for a position, please visit the Department of Human Resources located in Fenster Hall, 5th Floor, University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102 or call [phone]. If you have questions, please email the Human Resources Department at [e-mail]. Information regarding NJIT campus security, personal safety, and fire safety including topics such as, disciplinary procedures, crime prevention, NJIT Police law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, and crime statistics for the most recent three year period is available on the NJIT Department of Public Safety here. NJIT is an E-Verify employer and uses E-Verify to confirm work authorization of each new hire.