Post-Doctoral Associate in Atmospheric Chemistry Prof. Hannah Kenagy

Job

Location:

Twin Cities

Job Family:
Academic

Full/Part Time:
Full-Time

Regular/Temporary:
Regular

Job Code: 9546

Employee Class:
Acad Prof and Admin

The Kenagy Lab (Department of Chemistry; (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) at the University of Minnesota is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join an upcoming ground-based field campaign focused on particle formation chemistry in agricultural regions. While agricultural emissions represent a growing driver of air quality as urban emissions decline, their underlying atmospheric chemistry remains understudied-a critical gap this project aims to fill. The successful candidate will lead the deployment of aerosol instrumentation during this project and will bring a strong foundation in atmospheric or environmental chemistry, chemical analysis, data processing and analysis, and dissemination.

This position is available starting in January 2027. The work schedule is typically Monday-Friday, with some weekend work during field deployments (planned for 6 weeks in summer 2027 and 4 weeks in summer 2028). Outside of deployment periods, the work schedule has increased flexibility to balance the field work demands.

Principal Position Functions:

30% Instrument Calibration, Operation, and Maintenance:
This position will lead the operation of an aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM) and scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) for particle composition and size analysis, respectively. They will work collaboratively with a UMN graduate student who will lead the deployment of a chemical ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (CI-ToF-MS) for gas analysis, as well as with a team of collaborators from Purdue University who will measure trace gas fluxes.

30% Data Analysis:
This position will lead the data processing and data analysis for the ACSM and SMPS and will assist with the processing and analysis of CI-ToF-MS data.

10% Mentorship:
This position will work closely with a graduate student in preparing for and completing the deployments.

10% Outreach:
This position will contribute to a collaboration with a 4H Youth Development specialist to develop a hands‑on workshop where high school students explore agriculture and air quality through low-cost sensor building, field measurements, and data analysis.

20% Research Documentation, Dissemination, and Publication:
Work with the PI to plan and draft extramural research proposals and manuscripts reporting study results. Contribute to the preparation of presentations and other research communications.

Required Qualifications , Competencies, and

Experience:

• * PhD in chemistry, atmospheric science, 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.
• * Previous experience mentoring or supervising trainees, particularly undergraduate students.

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…