Fire Contaminant Mapping PhD -4042
Title: Fire Contaminant Mapping: Identifying and spatial tracking of combustion products
PREP0004042
NIST, Engineering Lab, Fire Research Division: Rick Davis. PhD
Goal: To identify products of combustion and how they transport in time and location at a fire scene and non-fire common spaces.
Fire Contaminant Mapping focuses on understanding the chemical contaminants present during and after fires, their distribution, and the mechanisms by which they move. The project begins by developing practical and reliable methods to collect and analyze contaminants at fire scenes and on firefighter protective equipment, with an initial emphasis on PFAS. By putting the methods first, this work lays the groundwork for consistently measuring fire-related contamination and supporting future efforts in exposure assessment, risk evaluation, and standards development.
Working with the project leaders, the researcher will develop and then lead the execution of experiments associated with the following tasks.
- Develop and utilize methods to collect, prepare, and analyze PFAS extracted from solid surfaces from controlled conditions (NIST laboratories).
- Develop and utilize methods to collect, prepare, and analyze PFAS extracted from air samples collected under controlled conditions (NIST laboratories).
- Develop and utilize methods to analyze for other contaminants (e.g., heavy metals) under controlled laboratory conditions.
- Utilize these methodologies to analyze for contaminants in real-scale fires (NFRL) and/or at actual fire sites.
The work will entail:
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Collecting gas and wipe samples from simulated, lab equipment, and actual fire experiments.
- Preparing samples for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) analysis.
- Analyzing sample for PFAS using a variety of analytical approaches (liquid and gas chromatography)
- Processing, interpreting, and reporting out PFAS analysis
- Support in tech transfer of PFAS results – co-authoring papers and reports, and co-participating in conferences and workshops
- Providing support in developing and implementing PFAS research plans
Qualifications
- PHD in Engineering, Chemistry, or Biology
- 1 year of post-PhD experience with PFAS.