Post Doctoral Associate
Job Description
Position Number:
123943Title:
Post-Doctoral AssociateFunctional Title:
Post Doctoral AssociateCategory Status:
15-Fac.Non-Tenured,Continuing ConApplicant Search Category:
FacultyUniversity Authorized FTE:
100Unit:
AGNR-Environmental Science & TechnologyCampus/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 someone from employment. Prior to any adverse decision, finalists have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding the background check.
The University reserves the right to rescind offers of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Offers are contingent on providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States no more than 3 days after the initial start date. If this proof is not provided within this timeframe, the offer may be rescinded or employment terminated.
The University reserves the right to rescind offers of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Offers are contingent on providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States no more than 3 days after the initial start date. If this proof is not provided within this timeframe, the offer may be rescinded or employment terminated.
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work in the Bioenergy and Biotechnology Laboratory, led by Dr. Stephanie Lansing (https://agnr.umd.edu/about/directory/stephanie-lansing) at the University of Maryland in the Department of Environmental Science & Technology researching fermentation and microbial fuel cell (MFCs) technology from in oceanic environments. The marine MFC system will be fed with marine organic matter (OM) that is collected, concentrated, and fermented in a separate chamber, with the resulting metabolites, i.e., volatile fatty acids (VFAs), passing directly from the fermentation chamber to the MFC to provide energy to the exoelectrogenic microbes.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities:
- Develop methods to incorporate fermentation of microscopic marine OM prior to MFC processing.
- Analyze marine OM substrates for volatile fatty acids (VFAs), nutrients, and other properties.
- Design a fermentation chamber for oceanic environments.
- Test the fermentation chamber with MFC in pilot-scale and marine deployments for electric output.
- Operate and maintain all scientific instrumentation.
- Develop a data evaluation tool/technique to store large datasets across multiple teams.
- Contribute to monthly, quarterly, and annual report writing and scientific publications.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Background knowledge and experience is needed in MFCs, dark fermentation, anaerobic digestion, volatile fatty acid production, and use of complex substrates, such as marine OM.
- Ph.D. in engineering, chemistry, environmental science, or relevant field with a focus on waste treatment and microbial transformations.
- Experience analyzing VFAs and solids using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team environment.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including oral presentations at scientific conferences and written peer reviewed journal articles.
- Ability to work in-person in a laboratory environment in Maryland.
To Apply Include:
- CV, including list of publications.
- Two page cover letter (single-spaced) that outlines the following: your area of interest, relevant experience in MFCs and arrested anaerobic digestion, use of relevant analytical equipment to
perform this work, and how you meet each of the qualifications and responsibilities in the job
description.
Benefits Summary
Top Benefits and Perks:Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
Ph.D. in engineering, chemistry, environmental science, or relevant field with a focus on waste
Ph.D. in engineering, chemistry, environmental science, or relevant field with a focus on waste
treatment and microbial transformations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Background knowledge and experience is needed in MFCs, dark fermentation, anaerobic digestion, volatile fatty acid production, and use of complex substrates, such as marine OM.
- Experience analyzing VFAs and solids using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team environment.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including oral presentations at scientific conferences and written peer reviewed journal articles.
- Ability to work in-person in laboratory environments in Maryland.
Preferences:
Preferences:
- Prior experience with MFCs in marine environments.
- Strong writing skills.
- Ability to obtain a Maryland driver’s license.
Additional Information:
Salary $55,000.00 and eligible for benefits.
Posting Date:
09/30/2024Open Until Filled
YesBest Consideration Date
10/10/2024Physical Demands
Minimal physical lifting (less than 20 lbs.) in the laboratory and field environment.
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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