Biosensing Using DNA-Carbon Nanotubes Hybrids

The Material Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking qualified persons (U.S. citizens preferred) to advance processing and separations of nanomaterials, including single wall carbon nanotubes. The applicant will work with a dynamic team in the Particles Nanotube and Colloids project to advance fundamental measurement science in sorting, characterization, and spectroscopic data analysis using machine learning that serves broad-based technologies including advanced materials and biosensors.

Generated materials are also expected to support a wide variety of collaborative efforts, including interlaboratory comparisons and metrology development.

• Optimize DNA-based separation of single-chirality single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) species using empirical and machine-learning guided approaches.
• Advance scale-up capabilities for producing liter-scale volumes and support the standardization of nanotube sorting protocols.
• Apply processing and characterization methods developed by NIST for assessment of SWCNT species chirality, length, and morphological purity. Develop biosensing protocols using structure defined DNA-SWCNT hybrids.

• A PhD in Science or Engineering disciplines including Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, soft-matter physics, chemistry, colloidal science or related disciplines.
• Experience in synthesis, liquid-phase processing and separations, optical-based biosensing, and characterization of nanomaterials by optical spectroscopic methods including near infrared, fluorescence, UV-vis, and/or Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

This opportunity is to be an associate researcher in the NIST Materials Science and Engineering Division for a term of 1 year, with options to renew. Associate researchers are NOT Federal Employees, but they work along with NIST researchers and with NIST’s world-class instrumentation. Relocation expenses will not be provided. U.S. citizens hired into associate positions may have the opportunity to seek longer term Federal Employment.