The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seeks a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join the cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) of radiocarbon dioxide (14CO2) project. The post-doc will use CRDS to quantity 14C in mixed petrogenic and biogenic samples of carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as in CO2 samples preconcentrated from air. Work will include preparation of preconcentrated gas samples, performing ultrasensitive CRDS, and interpreting data to infer the origins and/or composition of the source material. Success will require the design and assembly of a CO2 preconcentration system and the control of laser-based CRDS instrumentation. Further work will include the use of metrology tools like stabilized lasers, optical frequency combs and NIST pressure and temperature standards to establish traceability.
Key responsibilities will include:
• Design, assemble, and operate a carbon dioxide (CO2) preconcentration system.
• Perform cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) in the mid-infrared.
• Analyze data on spectrometer performance and establish measurement traceability chains.
• Present results at internal meetings and external scientific conferences.
Qualifications include:
• PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, or a related field; completed within the last 5 years.
• Demonstrated experience performing isotopic analysis of greenhouse gases and/or air samples.
• Familiarity with high-resolution molecular spectroscopy and/or laser absorption spectroscopy.
• Ability to control/automate scientific test equipment, gas handling systems, and laser instruments.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
Relevant project publications:
• Truong et al., Nature Communications 14, 7846 (2023)
• Fleisher et al., Nature Physics 17, 889-893 (2021)
• Fleisher et al., J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 8, 4550-4556 (2017)
More about the position:
• Stipend: $82,762 per year
• Term: 1 year, with the possibility to extend (depending upon funding)
• Start date: negotiable, position available immediately
The NIST Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) enables people from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in these positions will perform technical work on advanced research projects related to the NIST mission. This PREP post-doc position includes a stipend of $82,762 per year and benefits like relocation, health insurance and access to a network of affinity groups and professional engagements at NIST. Interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter and CV to adam.fleisher@nist.gov by 24 May 2024, and then until the position is filled.
GEFAM 