Postdoctoral Fellow, Anaytical Chemist The Division of Atmospheric Sciences of the Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow, Analytical Chemist to conduct research in its Environmental Analysis Facility (EAF). The EAF is a chemical analysis laboratory equipped to quantify atmospheric contaminants in minute quantities. It hosts instrumentation for Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), elemental analysis, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), ion-exchange chromatography, X-ray fluorescence, diffusive reflectance and transmittance spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis, TOC analysis, and organic and elemental carbon analysis. The post-doc will focus on and perform the following activities: * Explore and develop analytical methods to characterize aerosol chemical, physical, and optical properties * Design, integrate, and evaluate aerosol analyzers. * Conduct laboratory and field studies of aerosol characterization. Interested applicants are directed to the DRI website (http://www.dri.edu/das) to find additional information about DRI's research programs in air quality. DRI is a research campus within the Nevada System of Higher Education, and has close ties with the University of Nevada, Reno, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The position will be based in Reno, NV, population 378,000, situated in northwestern Nevada at the base of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, 25 minutes from Lake Tahoe. Reno boasts 300+ days of sunshine and offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor activities ranging from mountain biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, whitewater paddling, and golfing in the summer and fall to alpine skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing in the winter. REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE * A Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, engineering, atmospheric sciences, or equivalent field (completed by the end of July 2013). * Experience with organic acids, carbohydrates, sugar derivatives, and WSOC species including HULIS. * Experience in methods development and problem solving, with a focus on organic and hygroscopic aerosols. * Experience in chromatography and similar separation techniques. * Experience in mass spectrometry (MS), soft ionization, and automated interpretation of MS data. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Ability to conduct high-quality research as part of a large interdisciplinary research group. * Ability to work independently, fulfill project goals and meet deadlines. * Demonstrated ability to perform research and publish results in peer-reviewed literature. PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE * Experience operating and troubleshooting analytical laboratory instruments (e.g., carbon analyzers, thermal desorption (TD)-GC/MS, HPLC, LC/MS, IC). * Experience in processing and validating MS spectrum and performing data analysis. * Experience in developing chromatographic methods to analyze non-polar and polar organic species. * Experience in optical and spectroscopic analysis. * Experience in operating aerosol instruments (e.g., aerosol generators, particle counters, SMPS). * Experience in mechanical and electrical design and software integration. * Demonstrable proficiency in two or more of the following: 1. Emissions inventory or characterization, 2. Aerosol emission characterization, 3. Aerosol chemistry/physics, 4. Source or receptor oriented air quality modeling, 5. Climate forcing assessment * Experience with air quality field studies. * Proven ability to supervise and direct students. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT The individual who is offered and accepts this position must provide (within 30 calendar days of his/her start date of the position) a copy of the transcript(s) awarded by an accredited institution as recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). SALARY / BENEFITS Salaries are competitive and commensurate with qualifications, with continued appointment (assessed annually for up to a maximum of three years) being dependent upon performance and availability of funding. DRI offers a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, 6.2% matching retirement by DRI, retirement options through TIAA-CREF, Valic, and/or Fidelity, paid annual and sick leave, 11 paid holidays, tuition reduction at NSHE institutions for employee, spouse and dependents, relocation allowance. Additionally, there is no state income tax and no social security deduction. (See postdoctoral fellow benefits summary at http://www.dri.edu/employee-benefits ) APPLICATION / REVIEW PROCESS Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To insure consideration, applicant must submit: 1. Cover letter detailing how you meet the education and experience requirements and describe your research interests and career goals; 2. Current curriculum vitae; 3. Contact information for three professional work-related references. Applicants not meeting these requirements will not be considered. To learn more about DRI, visit our Web site at www.dri.edu or call 775-673-7431. Contact: Human Resources Desert Research Institute Reno, NV United States
