Post-Doctoral Associate

About the Job

The Kenagy Lab (Department of Chemistry; (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) and the Millet Lab (Department of Soil, Water, and Climate; ) at the

University of Minnesota are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to serve as a key contributor to the deployment of mass spectral instrumentation on a new mobile research laboratory focused on air composition, air quality, environmental justice, and emergency response for environmental concerns. The successful candidate will bring a strong foundation in atmospheric or environmental chemistry, chemical analysis, data processing and analysis, and dissemination.

This position is available immediately. The work schedule is typically Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend days during deployment periods. Outside of deployment periods the work schedule has increased flexibility to balance the deployments.

This position is expected to be a 1 year postdoc position initially with possibility of renewal depending on funding.

Principal Position Functions:

40% Instrument Calibration, Operation, and Maintenance:
This position will lead the operation of a chemical ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (CI-ToF-MS) for gas

analysis on the mobile laboratory and will assist with operating an aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM) for particle composition analysis. They will work collaboratively with a Researcher who leads mobile lab coordination and operation, and a graduate student who will help with ACSM preparation prior to deployments.

40% Data Analysis:
This position will lead the data processing and data analysis for the CI-ToF-MS and ACSM mass spectrometers.

20% Research Documentation, Dissemination, and Research Team

Activities:

Work with the PIs to plan and draft extramural research proposals and manuscripts reporting study results. Contribute to the preparation of presentations and other research communications. Participate in community events around air pollution and air quality education.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications , Competencies, and

Experience:

● PhD in atmospheric science, chemistry, environmental science, engineering, or a closely related field.

● Hands-on experience with instrument calibration and operation.

● Data analysis experience.

● Proficiency in statistical data analysis and coding (e.g., Python, R).

● Strong organizational skills with experience in laboratory operations.

● Effective written and verbal communication skills.

● Familiarity with standard laboratory safety practices.

Preferred Qualifications , Competencies, and

Experience:

● A strong publication record demonstrating independent research contributions.

● Experience with mass spectrometry.

● Experience preparing research documentation such as manuscripts, grant applications, or regulatory submissions.

● A willingness to learn and expand skillset and research interests.

● An interest in community-engaged research and education.

● Previous experience mentoring or supervising trainees, particularly undergraduate students.

About the Department

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Minnesota (UMN) provides a world-class education through classroom teaching and cutting-edge research. As a

central, core discipline in science and engineering, chemistry is critical for solving society's most important problems and making significant positive impacts on human health, energy, and the environment. The UMN Department of Chemistry has been a national and international leader throughout its history. A wide range of companies and academic institutions from across the world hire our graduates and collaborate with us on research.

Department of Chemistry alumni have enormous societal impact as academicians, K-12 teachers, scientists and managers in industrial and government laboratories, lawyers, public policy advocates, entrepreneurs, and in a diverse array of other fields.

Soil, Water, and Climate (SWAC) is an administrative unit within the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). The mission of the Department is to advance the understanding of Earth system processes and the interaction among land, atmosphere, and water. Through research,…