Job DescriptionThe goal of the project is to develop new tools for measuring individual organic compounds of interest in the atmosphere, with a focus on the particle phase. The goal of the project is identification and quantification of individual target analytes of concern for human health and general air quality. Developed tools will rely on novel sampling and gas chromatography technologies, including mass spectrometry, optical particle detection, particle filtration and impaction, and lab-on-a-chip techniques. This position is supported by the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity and will be advised by Dr. Gabriel Isaacman-VanWertz.The postdoctoral associate will be responsible for designing and executing experiments to sample and analyze particles, including designing and operating sampling testbeds, generating gas and liquid mass calibration standards, operating commercially available gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) instruments, analyzing GC/MS data, generating and collecting particle-phase samples, and interfacing novel components using a variety of standard laboratory fittings and tubing.The successful applicant will work alongside students and postdocs developing new instrumentation to sample particles, interface with commercially-available and custom GC/MS technologies, advise on intercomparison and validation strategies, and collecting and analyzing samples for the evaluation of new instrumentation. The successful applicant will be responsible for developing and executing standard operating procedures for the collection of samples using particle filtration and/or impaction, their thermal and/or chemical extraction, and analysis and calibration. Understanding and operation of optical and/or other standard aerosol detection instruments may be required for validation and intercomparison. Duties may include sample design, collection, and analysis from local outdoor environments, indoor environments, and laboratory-generated aerosols. The successful applicant will be provided opportunities for mentoring students through hands-on training and will have opportunities to contribute to related research projects.Required Qualifications- Ph.D. in a science or engineering field. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.- Must have training, abilities, and interests in atmospheric chemistry and/or atmospheric science.- Experience working in the laboratory and the field generating and collecting particle-phaseatmospheric samples.- Experience with gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS).- Strong communication and organizational skills, and creative problem-solving skills.Preferred Qualifications- Experience maintaining and operating advanced GC and MS instrumentation and experience of data analysis.- Strong publication record.- Strong atmospheric laboratory skills, including familiarity with standard fittings, tubing valves, air sampling components, and generating and sampling gases in addition to particles.Appointment TypeRestrictedSalary Information$58,000-60,000Review Date12/15/2023Additional InformationThe successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.About Virginia TechDedicated to its motto,Ut Prosim(That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive communitydedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicinecollege, Graduate School , andHonors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including theInnovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerousExtension offices andresearch centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contactDr. Gabriel Isaacman-VanWertzat ****** during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
