[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoctoral Position on Soil Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Sensing

Tue Dec 15 08:49:14 MST 2020

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate I with a background in trace gas instrumentation and scientific programming to join an interdisciplinary team developing soil gas sensors for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We are looking for a key member to join our NSF-funded Signals in the Soil (SitS) project, “SitS: Sniffing the Soil Volatilome: Decoding Microbial Interactions in Soil Systems using Subsurface Sensors<https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2034192&HistoricalAwards=false>,” to evaluate soil VOC sensors against high-resolution chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) in controlled and complex soil systems. This is an interdisciplinary research project, and the candidate need not be familiar with all the relevant methods.

The Postdoc will collaborate in person and remotely with the disciplinary diverse project team including Laura Meredith (microbial trace gas metabolism, University of Arizona<http://www.laurameredith.com/>), Jordan Krechmer (mass spectrometry, Aerodyne Research, Inc.<https://www.aerodyne.com/>), David Hagan (experimental atmospheric chemistry, QuantAQ, Inc<https://www.quant-aq.com/>), and Malak Tfaily (environmental metabolomics, University of Arizona<https://malaktfaily.com/>). The postdoc will gain experience working in industry, start-up, and academic environments, and be exposed to multiple different career paths therein.

This postdoc position, offered through the University of Arizona (UA), is based in the greater Boston area at Aerodyne Research, Inc. (ARI), in Billerica, MA. The project involves field work at the UA Biosphere 2<https://biosphere2.org/research/projects/rainforest-wald> in the second year. This is a full-time position anticipated to last 2 years starting in Spring 2021.

A postdoctoral mentoring plan is in place for this position, with the overarching goal to help the postdoc cultivate skills in research, teaching, and mentorship. All project PIs are committed to fostering career development through close interaction, constructive assessment, providing options for integrative interactions among collaborators, and support. Broader impacts activities at the iconic Biosphere 2 provides ample opportunities for mentoring, outreach, and public engagement. The postdoc will be involved in all aspects of project planning and implementation.

Duties & Responsibilities

*Conduct experiments evaluating VOC sensors under controlled and complex soil conditions. *Collect and analyze VOC sensor and high-resolution chemical ionization mass spectrometry data.

*Train algorithms to interpret VOC sensor signals.

*Publication of novel experimental results.

*Strong programming ability, as well as experience in troubleshooting and fixing instrumentation and experimentation problems.

*The position requires an ability to work effectively in a team.

Minimum Qualifications

*Ph.D. in Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, Atmospheric Sciences, Ecosystem Science, Biogeochemistry, Biology, or Related Field.

*The position requires a background in advanced analytical instrumentation and data interpretation.

Preferred Qualifications

*Experience with mass spectrometry, sensors, and machine learning. Prior demonstrated success in laboratory or field studies of atmospheric chemistry.

*Familiarity with concepts and techniques in atmospheric chemistry, soil and rhizosphere science, microbiology, genomics, and/or sensors are desirable, but not required.

Application Instructions:

Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references through the University of Arizona application portal (posting number req3413). Application review will begin January 15, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled: https://arizona.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/3413?c=arizona

For further details, please reach out to Laura Meredith (laurameredith at arizona.edu<mailto:laurameredith at arizona.edu> )

Laura K Meredith

Assistant Professor, The University of Arizona

School of Natural Resources and the Environment

ENR2 Bldg., 1064 E. Lowell Street, Tucson, AZ 85721

Office: N225, Phone: 520 621 1052

BIO5 Institute

Keating Bldg., 1657 E. Helen Street, Tucson, AZ 85721

Office: 203, Lab: 202, Phone: 520 626 4213

Biosphere 2

Biosphere 2, 32540 S Biosphere Rd, Oracle, AZ 85623-7019

Office: Upper habitat 3, Phone: 520-621-9464

laurameredith at email.arizona.edu <mailto:laurameredith at email.arizona.edu>

http://www.laurameredith.com/

Pronouns: she/her/hers
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