Postdoctoral Research Associate - Advanced Analytical Lab and Raman, IR, and XRF core facility

Apply now Job no:522087
Work type:Post Doc (Amherst Only)
Location:UMass Amherst
Department: Food Sciences
Union: Post Doc
Categories:Laboratory & Research, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Research, College of Natural Sciences

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450 acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Advanced Analytical Lab and Raman, IR, and XRF core facility is looking for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate starting March 3, 2024. This exciting opportunity offers a balanced and multifaceted role with a focus on advancing scientific knowledge and fostering leadership in a state-of-the-art spectroscopic core facility. The Postdoctoral Research Associate is expected to conduct research on an NIH-funded project to develop innovative spectroscopic methods for analyzing the age and infection status of mosquitoes. The researcher is also expected to take a leadership role in the management of the Raman, IR, and XRF core facility and provide analytical services to both internal and external users. The contract is for one year with an extension to two years upon satisfactory performance.  

Essential Functions

• NIH project researcher (50%)
  • Undertake groundbreaking research supported by an NIH R01 project dedicated to developing innovative spectroscopic methods for analyzing the age and infection status of mosquitoes.
  • Conduct experiments, supervise students, analyze data, and contribute to the preparation of high-impact publications for the NIH project.
  • Collaborate with Principal Investigators on grant-writing, work and communicate effectively with collaborators (entomologists and machine learning modeling professors).
• Core facility Manager (50%)
  • Take a leadership role in our advanced spectroscopy core facility, specializing in Raman, IR, and XRF techniques.
  • Manage and provide analytical services to both internal and external users, fostering a collaborative and efficient environment.
  • Demonstrate excellence in project management, ensuring the facility's smooth operation and delivering high-quality results.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness. In the performance of work, take initiative, be creative, and operate with self-direction.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the College of Natural Sciences community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or related disciplines).
• Proven expertise in spectroscopic techniques. Experience with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is desired but not essential. 
• Excellent management and leadership skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Work in a biosafety level II laboratory

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Salary Information

• Starting salary is $52,024 in a benefited position.

Additional Information

Along with the application, please submit a CV. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information three (3) professional references. For more information about the position, contact Lili He at [email protected] .

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. http://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion .

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised:Feb 16 2024 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:May 15 2024 Eastern Daylight Time