Postdoctoral Associate

Troy University; Troy, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Troy University’s Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences invites applications for a postdoctoral position in Analytical Chemistry focusing on HS-SPME-GC-MS methods to detect hazardous VOCs in recycled plastics. The role includes method development, sample analysis, and supervision of undergraduate researchers.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD in Chemistry or Materials Science with GC-MS/SPME experience, strong experimental design and data analysis skills, and a commitment to publishing and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in analytical instrumentation (GC-MS, SPME or related techniques).
• Strong skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Ability to work independently while mentoring students and collaborating with colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize HS-SPME-GC-MS methods (fiber selection, extraction conditions, chromatography).
• Analyze recycled plastic samples to assess VOC contamination and safety implications.
• Mentor undergraduate students and supervise hands-on research activities.
• Contribute to publication and presentation of findings and engage with industry partners.

Skills

GC-MS

SPME

Analytical methods

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or Materials Science

Tools

GC-MS

Job description

The Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences at Troy University invites applications for a postdoctoral position in Analytical Chemistry. The successful candidate will join an NSF-funded project focused on developing sensitive, reliable methods for detecting hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in recycled plastics using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS).

The postdoctoral researcher will:

• Design and optimize HS-SPME-GC-MS methods, including selection of SPME fibers, extraction conditions, and chromatographic parameters.
• Analyze recycled plastic samples to characterize VOC contamination and assess impacts on safety and recycling quality.
• Mentor and supervise undergraduate students, fostering hands‑on research experiences in a primarily undergraduate institution.
• Contribute to publication and presentation of findings, and engagement with industry partners.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to advance expertise in analytical and materials chemistry while contributing to sustainability and circular economy initiatives.

The appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued funding availability.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in analytical instrumentation (preferably GC-MS, SPME , or related separation/trace analysis techniques).
• Strong skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Ability to work independently while effectively mentoring and collaborating with students and colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications

Will this position require driving (personal vehicle, university vehicle, utility vehicle, or golf cart) in order to perform the job duties?

Will this position require driving (personal vehicle, university vehicle, utility vehicle, or golf cart) in order to perform the job duties? No

Work Hours

TBA

List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position

This position involves laboratory-based analytical research. The postdoctoral researcher will handle chemicals and polymer samples that may contain or emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some of which can be classified as hazardous. Typical laboratory activities include solvent handling, sample preparation, SPME fiber conditioning, GC-MS operation, and waste management. Appropriate personal protective equipment ( PPE ), including lab coats, gloves, safety glasses, and fume hood usage, is mandatory during all laboratory operations. Comprehensive safety training will be provided before independent work begins, covering chemical hygiene, waste disposal, and emergency procedures. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to adhere strictly to safety protocols, maintain a clean and organized workspace, and promptly report any incidents or unsafe conditions to the supervisor.

Does this position have supervisory responsibility?

No

Posting Date

Posting Date 09/24/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Position is funded by external sponsor agency. Troy University is under no obligation to maintain this position if funding from external source is reduced or ceased.

Last Day a Reference Provider Can Submit Reference

Qualified applications will be made available to the department/committee for review immediately upon submission. We ask that you provide email addresses for your reference providers and please be certain that the email addresses you list are accurate. If you are selected as a candidate for consideration by the department/committee, an instructional email will be sent to your reference providers to ask that they submit a reference letter on your behalf via a link to our reference portal. Separate reference letters will be requested for each position to which you apply (if applicable), so your reference providers will be contacted separately for each application on which you list them. Reference letters will not be copied from one application to another. You can assure your reference providers that our system is secure and that all letters are confidential. If your reference providers have trouble using the reference portal, please advise them to contact [e-mail].

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • Troy University employment website (www.troyuniversityjobs.com)
  • Chronicle of Higher Education
  • Higher Ed Jobs
  • Social Media website
  • Indeed
  • Other employment website (please specify below)
  • Employee Referral (please specify below)
  • Local newspaper (please specify below)
  • Professional journal (please specify below)
  • Other source (please specify below)
• Please specify:

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Regarding your current employment status, please select one of the following:
  • Not a current Troy University employee
  • Current part-time Troy employee (including adjunct faculty)
  • Current full-time Troy employee - initial appraisal period complete
  • Current full-time Troy employee - still within initial appraisal period (six months for new employees and three months for promoted employees)
• * Do you have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• List of References
• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial Transcript 1

Optional Documents

• Resume
• Teaching Philosophy
• Other Document

• Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check.
• Troy University is an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative Action employer.
• Troy University participates in eVerify.