The goal of the project is to develop new tools for measuring individual organic compounds of interest in the atmosphere, with a focus on the particle phase. The goal of the project is identification and quantification of individual target analytes of concern for human health and general air quality. Developed tools will rely on novel sampling and gas chromatography technologies, including mass spectrometry, optical particle detection, particle filtration and impaction, and lab-on-a-chip techniques. This position is supported by the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity and will be advised by Dr. Gabriel Isaacman-VanWertz.
The postdoctoral associate will be responsible for designing and executing experiments to sample and analyze particles, including designing and operating sampling testbeds, generating gas and liquid mass calibration standards, operating commercially available gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) instruments, analyzing GC/MS data, generating and collecting particle-phase samples, and interfacing novel components using a variety of standard laboratory fittings and tubing.
The successful applicant will work alongside students and postdocs developing new instrumentation to sample particles, interface with commercially-available and custom GC/MS technologies, advise on intercomparison and validation strategies, and collecting and analyzing samples for the evaluation of new instrumentation. The successful applicant will be responsible for developing and executing standard operating procedures for the collection of samples using particle filtration and/or impaction, their thermal and/or chemical extraction, and analysis and calibration. Understanding and operation of optical and/or other standard aerosol detection instruments may be required for validation and intercomparison. Duties may include sample design, collection, and analysis from local outdoor environments, indoor environments, and laboratory-generated aerosols. The successful applicant will be provided opportunities for mentoring students through hands-on training and will have opportunities to contribute to related research projects.