Postdoctoral Fellow; PREP

PREP Research Associate

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields.

Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.

Research

Title:

Single Particle Mass Metrology

The work will entail: The candidate will perform postdoctoral research at NIST to characterize the mass of single microscopic particles individually and in ensembles. A working knowledge of single particle mass spectrometry is required, as is basic physics. The researcher will perform theoretical and laboratory work to develop optimum methods for measuring the mass of the particles, including radionuclide samples. Advanced uncertainty analysis will be required to provide a mass value and model‑based uncertainty using multiple methods to cross‑check.

These methods may include mass spectrometry and inertial balance development and prototype instrumentation construction or modification.

U.S. Citizen Required

• Documentation of measurement method development data
• Determination of SI‑traceability path and uncertainty analysis
• Work with hazardous chemicals, including radionuclides
• Presenting results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external stakeholders
• Ensuring that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization
• Generating a final deliverable of a particle mass measurement

• PhD in chemistry or physics, analytical chemistry preferred
• 5 years of relevant experience
• Knowledge of traceability and standards development
• Hands‑on laboratory skills, including prototype equipment development
• Familiarity with advanced data analysis
• Ability to develop prototypes of tools needed to analyze data
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, marital status, pregnancy, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.