Florida International University’s Freshwater Resource Division at the Institute of Environment is seeking to fill a Postdoctoral Associate position in the area of analytical environmental chemistry with emphasis on Mass Spectrometry applications. The research foci are specific to addressing environmental impacts in Biscayne Bay, Florida.
The primary objective of the Postdoctoral Associate will be to oversee the operations of the Environmental Analysis Research Laboratory (EARL) organic analytical facility at FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus, develop new analytical methods in the area of organic and inorganic mass spectrometry with specific emphasis on emerging contaminants and non-target analysis (NTA), and contribute to the training and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students in traditional and novel analytical techniques for environmental applications. The appointment is for one year but renewable based on performance and funds availability.
FIU’s Biscayne Bay Research Initiative promotes interdisciplinary research among faculty from multiple departments, such as Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Environment, Public Health, and Computer Sciences. The research focus is to address the sources, transport, transformation and ecosystem responses to contaminants, pollutants and other natural stressors, under changing land-use and environmental conditions. The proposed work will be performed within the natural, agricultural, and human/urban landscapes that intersect with Biscayne Bay and targeted to identify specific nutrient pollution sources that could be mitigated within a 5-year timeline.
FIU’s CAChE nutrient core analytical facility conducts a number of traditional chemical analysis under NELAC accreditation including nutrients, traditional and novel elemental analysis of environmental samples using ICP-MS (triple quadrupole) and analysis of bulk parameters. Enhanced instrumentation at FIU’s EARL are mainly for the development of additional capabilities in support of research and education (GC/QqQ-MS, LC/QqQ-MS, GCxGC, IC, XRF, and a Thermo Q-Exactive High Resolution Mass Spectrometry with online-SPE capabilities).
The Postdoctoral Associate will conduct independent research, lead method development, implementation, training and data analysis and reporting for new techniques required in support of the research program and multidisciplinary projects assessing point-sources of pollution affecting Biscayne Bay. The workload for this position may require travel between FIU campuses but is mainly at the Biscayne Bay Campus. The department of Chemistry and Biochemistry also operates the Advanced Mass Spectrometry Facility (ms.fiu.edu) and collaborative work among the Institute of Environment students and scientists, the Postdoctoral Associate and the facility is expected. The minimum qualification for a Postdoctoral Associate is a Doctoral Degree in the board areas of Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Chemical Oceanography or related fields. Professional skills and experiences that would be considered in hiring include a background in Non Target Analysis; using R, Python, or machine learning to mine complex environmental datasets; or skills in field sampling and field experimentation. Evidence of ability to publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals is essential; ability to communicate research findings to a broader non-technical audience would be helpful.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply to Job ID 530593 at https://facultycareers.fiu.edu/ and attach a cover letter and CV. Candidates will be requested to provide names and contact information for at least three (3) references who will be contacted as determined by the search committee. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please direct any questions to Piero R. Gardinali at gardinal@fiu.edu.