Postdoc: Py-GC-MS for Plastic Particle Identification

National Institute of Standards and Technology; Gaithersburg, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Institute of Standards and Technology, through the PREP program, offers a postdoctoral position focused on pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for identifying plastic particles. The role involves expanding spectral libraries, developing pyrolysis methods, coding for data analysis, and contributing to publications and standards.

Mass spectrometry research will be complemented by LC-MS/ESI/APCI and MALDI techniques, with responsibilities including method development, data

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field.
• Working familiarity with mass spectrometry.
• Knowledge of organic chemical structures and nomenclature.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Extend the NIST Py-GC-MS spectral reference library to include more consumer plastics.
• Develop experimental methods for repeatable and robust pyrolysis of polymers.
• Develop computer code for data evaluation and library searching.
• Author peer-reviewed publications and documentary standards.

Skills

Mass spectrometry familiarity

Organic chemistry structures & nomencl

Strong oral and written communication

Education

Master's degree or higher in chemistry/chemical engineering/materials science

Job description

The National Institute of Standards and Technology, through the PREP program, offers a postdoctoral position focused on pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for identifying plastic particles. The role involves expanding spectral libraries, developing pyrolysis methods, coding for data analysis, and contributing to publications and standards.

Mass spectrometry research will be complemented by LC-MS/ESI/APCI and MALDI techniques, with responsibilities including method development, data