Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004858)

Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking a PREP Research Associate to perform postdoctoral research focused on single particle mass metrology. The candidate will conduct theoretical and laboratory work, develop optimum measurement methods for particle mass, including radionuclide samples, and apply advanced uncertainty analysis using multiple methods for cross-checks.

The role requires hands-on laboratory work, documentation, data analysis, and collaboration with internal

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry or physics, analytical chemistry preferred.
• 5 years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of traceability and standards development.
• Hands-on laboratory skills, including prototype equipment development.
• Familiarity with advanced data analysis.
• Ability to develop prototypes of tools needed to analyze data.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Documentation of measurement method development data
• Determination of SI‑traceability path and uncertainty analysis
• Work with hazardous chemicals, including radionuclides
• Presenting results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external stakeholders
• Ensuring that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization
• Generating a final deliverable of a particle mass measurement

Skills

Strong communication skills

Hands-on laboratory skills

Advanced data analysis

Prototype tool development

Education

PhD in chemistry or physics

Analytical chemistry preferred

Job description

PREP Research Associate

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that 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: Single Particle Mass Metrology

The work will entail: The candidate will perform postdoctoral research at NIST to characterize the mass of single microscopic particles individually and in ensembles. A working knowledge of single particle mass spectrometry is required, as is basic physics. The researcher will perform theoretical and laboratory work to develop optimum methods for measuring the mass of the particles, including radionuclide samples. Advanced uncertainty analysis will be required to provide a mass value and model‑based uncertainty using multiple methods to cross‑check. These methods may include mass spectrometry and inertial balance development and prototype instrumentation construction or modification.

U.S. Citizen Required

Key Responsibilities

• Documentation of measurement method development data
• Determination of SI‑traceability path and uncertainty analysis
• Work with hazardous chemicals, including radionuclides
• Presenting results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external stakeholders
• Ensuring that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization
• Generating a final deliverable of a particle mass measurement

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry or physics, analytical chemistry preferred
• 5 years of relevant experience
• Knowledge of traceability and standards development
• Hands‑on laboratory skills, including prototype equipment development
• Familiarity with advanced data analysis
• Ability to develop prototypes of tools needed to analyze data
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, marital status, pregnancy, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.