Postdoctoral researcher
The Material Measurement Laboratory (MML), part of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST), is seeking a Post-Doctoral Researcher to support critical minerals
chemical composition research. Candidates must be US citizens and will report to the NIST
Charleston, SC laboratory, which is co-located with the USDOC NOAA Hollings Marine
Laboratory. The candidate will develop both solid and solution sampling calibration methods
using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), laser ablation (LA) and other
techniques characterize the elemental composition of complex material streams such as
battery black mass and electronic scrap. These streams contain critical minerals and materials
that have economic value, but recovery pathways remain nascent. The driver for this research
focuses on validating calibration methods that could potentially port to industry and bolster
measurement capabilities across domestic critical materials supply chains.
Work Location: Physically at NIST (Charleston, SC)
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Advanced Calibration Methods for Critical Minerals and Materials (U.S. Citizens Only)
- PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
- Proven experience with acid digestions, and trace element quantification is required;
fundamental knowledge about plasma source mass spectrometry and LA-ICP-MS
is desirable (> 3yrs). - Excellent written/oral communication; track record of meeting milestones in
multidisciplinary teams; demonstrated first author publications. - Must be comfortable working with caustic and corrosive chemicals and working in a laboratory that maintains strict clean sample preparation protocols ensuring low blanks and cross contamination.
- Familiarity with metal extraction and preservation chemistry, Li battery chemistry, rare
earth and toxic metals analyses. - U.S. Citizens Only
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Method Development: Develop LA and solution-based ICP-MS calibration methods for
quantification of critical and toxic metals in complex industrial materials and feedstocks. - Sample Preparation: Prepare sample pellets for LA calibration and analysis; perform
microwave-assisted acid digestions of complex secondary materials (e.g., black mass, e-
scrap) and associated reference materials - Experimental Design, Instrumental Analysis and Data Collection: Design sound
experiments; Optimize and run ICP-MS instrumentation and couplings; interpret
complex datasets; develop and apply high accuracy calibration schemes. - Communication: Prepare findings for peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and oral
presentations. Deliverables to include internal Reports of Analysis - Safety and Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to institutional safety requirements,
including hazardous chemical handling protocols; protect intellectual property of candidate
research materials