Post-Doctoral Associate

University of Maryland, United States

Updated: about 18 hours ago
Location: College Park, MARYLAND
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Details


Position Number: 120769
Title: Post-Doctoral Associate
Functional Title: Post-Doctoral Associate
Category Status: 15-Fac.Non-Tenured,Continuing Con
Applicant Search Category: Faculty
University Authorized FTE: 100
Unit: AGNR-Dean-Joint Inst for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition
Hiring Range Minimum: 64908.00
Hiring Range Maximum: 68803.00
Campus/College Information:
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.
Vaccine Protocol
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
JIFSAN, a joint program of the University of Maryland and the U.S. FDA, is seeking a full-time Post-Doctoral Associate position within the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN).
The incumbent will participate in applied regulatory research for targeted and non-targeted mass spectrometric methods for the identification economic adulteration of food products such as honey and fruit juices. Incumbent will collaboratively identify markers, develop databases or libraries, and validate a mass spectrometric method to identify biomarkers and metabolites formed in the production of syrup matrices in comparison to pure honey.
Additionally, research will be expanded into characterizing and identifying marker ions that can be used to discriminate the substitution of fruit juices, such as lime and lemon juice. Also, duties will include monitoring instrument performance metrics in lab quality assurance and control programs, as well as providing routine instrument maintenance and calibration service. Completed research studies are expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals.
Specific Aims:
1. Develop non-targeted mass spectrometric methods for the identification of biomarkers and
metabolites in syrups utilized for the economic adulteration of honey.
2. Build upon existing Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) methods for the identification of
adulterated honey products.
3. Develop and construct, as necessary, targeted spectral libraries to extend the identifications to
other MS platforms.
5. Develop methods in the characterization of fruit juices for economic adulteration and substitution.
4. Present data at scientific meetings and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop non-targeted and targeted methods utilizing high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) for bio-marker ions found in a variety of syrups. (30%).
  • Utilize the HRMS marker ions populated in spectral libraries as well as IRMS honey sample surveys to identify instances of adulteration in import and domestic honey samples. (30%).
  • Develop validate a method for the discrimination of adulterated and/or substituted fruit juices. (30%)
  • Present data at meetings and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals (10%)
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry or equivalent.



Experience:
  • Three years of experience in the application of mass spectrometry methods, preferably with experience in developing non-targeted mass spectrometry methods.
  • Demonstrated broad and extensive knowledge of mass spectrometry instrumentation (HRMS, IRMS) and the use of software for non-targeted classification or identification.
  • Full professional proficiency in English, written and spoken.
  • Ability to operate and maintain a safe, accident-free laboratory environment; safely and properly operate specified laboratory instruments and equipment; and troubleshoot all equipment in a chemistry laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Ability to operate and maintain a safe, accident-free laboratory environment; safely and properly operate specified laboratory instruments and equipment; and troubleshoot all equipment in a chemistry laboratory.
  • Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading. 
Preferences:
Additional Certifications:
Additional Information:
Posting Date: 02/20/2024
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled Yes
Best Consideration Date 03/09/2024
Physical Demands
  • Predominantly sedentary work.
  • Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
  • Repetitive motions.
  • Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
  • The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.
  • Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
  • The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
Diversity Statement:
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
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