Postdoctoral Research Associate - McDonough Lab

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Carnegie Mellon University McDonough laboratory in the Department of Chemistry is seeking a postdoctoral researcher with HRMS experience to study bioaccumulation, biomonitoring, and non-target analysis of emerging organic contaminants.

The project centers on PFAS mixtures and their behavior in living systems, using QTOF-MS, IMS, LC-ESI, and HRMS to characterize transformations in vitro. Collaboration across projects is encouraged.

Qualifications

• Experience with mass spectrometry, including instrument operation, troubleshooting, and data analysis.
• Experience with LC-HRMS and/or GC-HRMS preferred.
• Strong writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform HRMS analyses of PFASs and related contaminants.
• Contribute to method development and optimization.
• Collaborate on multiple projects within a dynamic research group.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

Data analysis

Analytical method optimization

Education

PhD in chemistry or closely related field

Tools

LC-HRMS

GC-HRMS

QTOF-MS

IMS

LC-ESI

Job description

Description

The McDonough laboratory in the Department of Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) experience to work on research projects related to bioaccumulation, biomonitoring, and nontarget analysis (NTA) of emerging organic contaminants. Our research group blends environmental analytical chemistry and chemical biology to study environmental and biological (i.e., toxicokinetics) fate of organic contaminants. Much of our current work centers around characterizing complex commercially- or environmentally-relevant per/polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) mixtures and describing their behavior in living things.

The postdoctoral researcher’s projects will focus primarily on assessing bioaccumulation potential and biological transformation of novel PFASs using in vitro tools and HRMS analysis of PFASs using quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS) and ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) coupled with liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization (LC-ESI). We are a highly collaborative group with opportunities to contribute to multiple projects (experience dividing time among multiple projects is a plus).

Qualifications

• Experience with mass spectrometry, including instrument operation, troubleshooting, and data analysis, are required.
• Experience with LC-HRMS and/or GC-HRMS are preferred.
• Other desired skills include experience with independent experimental design and analytical method optimization, training others in laboratory skills and analytical chemistry, and strong writing and communication skills.

Interested applicants, feel free to contact Dr. Carrie McDonough ( [e-mail] ) with any questions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Carnegie Mellon University is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition, family status, marital status, parental status, religion, ancestry, veteran status, or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.