Postdoctoral Fellow in Vibrational Spectroscopy and Microplastics Characterization at George Washington University George Washington University in United States

The George Washington University, in collaboration with the NIST Material Measurement Laboratory, is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow for the NIST Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). This opportunity is ideal for researchers with expertise in vibrational spectroscopy and a passion for environmental science, particularly in the area of microplastics characterization. The successful candidate will join a team focused on pioneering high-throughput characterization methods for microplastics, directly supporting sustainability and the circular economy.

The core mission of this postdoctoral role is to advance a novel Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) Infrared (IR) microscopy technique. The primary scientific challenge involves accurately measuring the size distribution and chemical identity of microplastics in water, overcoming the strong IR absorption of water and the severe scattering effects of particles smaller than 10 micrometers. Key responsibilities include advancing the hardware and setup for high-throughput QCL-IR microscopy, collecting and analyzing complex IR hyperspectral images of microplastic samples, improving measurement assurance for reproducible size quantitation, and publishing method advancements and datasets.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, Polymer Physics, or a related field, with at least two years of hands-on experience in IR microscopy. Deep analytical skills with vibrational spectral data are essential. The position offers the chance to work with state-of-the-art microscopes and contribute to foundational science in environmental monitoring and materials measurement. The research directly supports sustainability initiatives and the circular economy by improving the detection and analysis of microplastics in environmental samples.

The fellowship is funded through the NIST PREP program at George Washington University. While specific stipend and funding details are not provided, the position is a paid postdoctoral opportunity. Interested candidates should apply via the provided application link and prepare materials that highlight their relevant experience and expertise. For more information, candidates may contact Professor David Broniatowski, the academic supervisor for this position.