Postdoctoral Fellow Environmental Chemistry (Borch)
Colorado State University
Posting Detail Information
Working TitlePostdoctoral Fellow Environmental Chemistry (Borch)
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional PositionYes
Posting Number202500132AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitlePostdoctoral Fellows
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$60,000-$80,000 Salary depends on years of experience post-degree.
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
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Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on02/24/2025
Description of Work Unit
The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences is focused on education, research, and outreach to solve the world’s most pressing food production issues and crucial matters about Earth, its ecosystems, and their services. Our faculty and staff apply research-based solutions to benefit Colorado and the world. We offer academic programs to prepare students to address national and global crop production, sustainability, and environmental quality challenges such as waste management, water quality, and reclamation of drastically disturbed lands. There are numerous opportunities for students to be involved in cutting edge research related to global food production and ecosystem function and protection.
Position Summary
The post doctoral fellow will develop novel analytical methods for rapid contaminant and toxicity assessment of industrial wastewater. The postdoc will contribute to the design of a cutting-edge non-targeted analysis ( NTA ) and suspect screening analysis ( SSA ) methods using high-resolution mass spectrometry ( HRMS ) and computational tools to detect and identify unknown or suspected chemicals in raw and treated oil and gas (O&G) produced water (PW).
The research will focus on developing a novel approach for non-targeted analysis of compounds in produced water using Solid Phase Microextraction ( SPME ) in combination with Liquid Chromatography (LC) and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry ( HRMS ). SPME offers a rapid, solvent-free method for sample preparation, while LC- HRMS enables precise identification and structural elucidation of both known and unknown contaminants at trace levels. This integrated method will be applied to assess the risk of compounds in treated produced water, with a particular focus on evaluating the environmental toxicity of these compounds.
The postdoc will use laboratory measurements (including Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT- ICR MS), LC-Q- TOF MS, LC-QqQ-MS/MS, GC-MS, and SPME ) characterize variability of organic constituents in treated and raw PW across the Permian. This will include characterization of chemical classes, and some specific constituents of interest. The postdoc will investigate the potential for using SPME and LC retention times as an effective method for assessing the toxicity risks of compounds present in PW.
This position is initially funded as part of a 2 year grant program.
Required Job Qualifications
+ Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental engineering, environmental science or a related field by start of employment.
+ Experience in mass spectrometry analysis, data processing, and/or interpretation.
+ Experience in liquid- and gas chromatography.
+ Relevant laboratory experience.
+ The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; the department will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Preferred Job Qualifications
+ Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
+ Proficiency in R, python, Matlab, or equivalent software for efficient data handling and organization.
+ Expertise in Solid Phase Microextraction ( SPME ).
+ Familiarity with manipulative experiments.
+ Capabilities for teamwork and independent work.
+ Environmental toxicology.
+ Proficiency in handling moderate-to-large datasets and applying statistical analyses.
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryResearch
Duty/Responsibility
+ Develop non-targeted analysis methods for characterization of compounds in produced water using SPME in combination with LC and HRMS .
+ Develop and pursue innovative techniques related to detection of water contaminants by mass spectrometry.
+ Sample raw and treated produced water as well as “uncontaminated” environmental samples such as upstream river water and wetlands.
+ Determine quantitative and qualitative variability in contaminant classes in produced water and natural environments.
+ Develop database with produced water compounds and biomarkers
+ Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments.
+ Mentor students in the lab setting
Percentage Of Time70
Job Duty CategoryAuthorship and Grant Proposal Submission
Duty/Responsibility
+ Communicate research outcomes in scientific publications and presentations.
+ Contribute to the development of grant proposals and progress reports.
Percentage Of Time30
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a CV, an unofficial transcript, and the contact information for three professional references. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but for full consideration please apply by February 24, 2025.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search ContactThomas Borch, Thomas.Borch@colostate.edu
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested3
Maximum Requested3
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
+ Cover Letter
+ Curriculum Vitae
+ Unofficial Transcripts
Optional Documents
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