Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004192)

Johns Hopkins University; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University is hiring a PREP Research Associate to enhance QCL-IR microscopy techniques for microplastic characterization. You will perform technical tasks including data collection and analysis, while collaborating with NIST researchers. A Ph.D. in Chemistry or Physics and experience in IR microscopy are required.

The position offers opportunities for professional development and participation in scientific discussions. This role supports important research in environmental science. Competitive benefits are included.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in relevant field.
• 2+ years of experience with IR microscopy.
• Strong ability to analyze vibrational spectral data.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Advance instrumentation for high-throughput IR microscopy.
• Collect and analyze IR hyperspectral images.
• Discuss progress with NIST staff.
• Present results at internal and external meetings.
• Write papers based on findings.

Skills

IR microscopy

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, or related field

Job description

PREP Research Associate

General Description

The position is part of NIST’s Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration’s scientific research.

Research Title

Infrared Microscopy for Microplastics Characterization (U.S. Citizens preferred)

Job Overview

The Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) of 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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

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

Salary and Benefits

The referenced salary range represents the minimum and maximum salaries for this position and is based on Johns Hopkins University’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors, including location, skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education/training and other factors determined by the University.

Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports employees’ health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found at https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

Equal Opportunity Employer and EEO Statement

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. The university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved.

EEO is the Law.