Infrared Microscopy for Microplastics Researcher
Infrared Microscopy for Microplastics Researcher
PREP0004192
Project Description:
The Material Measurement Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified persons to advance a novel quantum cascade laser (QCL) infrared (IR) microscopy technique for high-throughput measurement of size distribution and chemical identification of microplastic samples. The position will harness a groundbreaking QCL-IR imaging of microplastics in water by addressing nontrivial measurement problems due to the strong IR absorption by water and strong scattering contribution at <10 µm microplastics. The outputs of this work will help improve measurement assurance for microplastics characterization with less irregularity in sample preparation and more reproducibility in size quantitation. Working at NIST offers the rare opportunity to collaborate with world-class experts in a mission-driven environment, utilizing state-of-the-art microscopes to turn observations into reproducible science. It is a chance to leave a lasting legacy on the circular and champion sustainability by ensuring a foundation of sound measurement science.
Key Responsibilities:
- Advance the instrumentation for high-throughput QCL-IR microscopy
- Collect and analyze IR hyperspectral images of microplastics
- Discuss progress and results with NIST staff
- Present results at internal meetings and occasional meetings with external stakeholders
- Write papers based on method advancements and datasets collected
Desired Qualifications:
- U.S. Citizen Preferred
- Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, Physics, Polymer Physics, or a related field
- 2+ years of experience with IR microscopy
- Ability to analyze vibrational spectral data
- Strong oral and written communication skills
Other Details:
- Full-time: the participant is expected to work 40 hours a week
- Location: the participant will work at the NIST Gaithersburg Campus.
- Duration: this is expected to be a one-year position. Extensions are sometimes granted depending on the availability of funds.