Postdoctoral researcher
The Material Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology 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. Working at NIST offers the rare opportunity to collaborate
with world-class experts in a mission-driven environment, utilizing state-of-the-art microscopes to turn
observations into reproducible science. It is a chance to leave a lasting legacy on the circular and
champion sustainability by ensuring a foundation of sound measurement science.
Infrared Microscopy for Microplastics Characterization
- 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
- U.S. Citizen Preferred
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- 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