NanoEarth Postdoctoral Associate

Job Description

The position involves: (a) expanding our user base by developing new partnerships with researchers from non-traditional fields in nanoscience and nanotechnology, especially in geosciences, environmental sciences, water and soil sciences, agricultural sciences, and related fields; (b) cultivating collaborative relationships with users to develop advanced research questions, assess required characterization techniques, support data collection, analysis, and interpretation, and contribute to preparation of peer-reviewed publications; (c) developing sampling protocols for nanoscale characterization of samples from natural environments and other complex media (e.g., wastewater); (d) participation in education and outreach activities; and (e) conduct center-initiated research under the direct supervision of the NanoEarth faculty leadership. Due to the nature of an NSF-funded national center, the position requires occasional work during weekdays after 5pm and weekend. Occasional travel may also be required.

Opportunities for pursing limited independent research may be available.

NanoEarth is the leading destination for earth and environmental nanoscience discovery. We serve the scientists and engineers solving our greatest environmental challenges. NanoEarth supports researchers across academia, government, and industry to enable critical discoveries at the nanoscale. We provide the advanced tools and expertise to guide nanotechnology research and propel environmental solutions.

The National Center for Earth and Environmental Nanotechnology Infrastructure, NanoEarth, is a node of the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI), an NSF-funded network of 16 centers spread throughout the United States serving as user facilities for cutting edge nanoscience research. NanoEarth is part of Virginia Tech's Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS), housed in Virginia Tech’s Nanoscale Characterization and Fabrication Laboratory (NCFL), and proudly headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Required Qualifications

(1) PhD in a related field with significant relevant professional experience. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
(2) Scientists/engineers experienced in environmental sciences, particularly geosciences, water and soil sciences, agricultural sciences, or related fields.
(3) Well-versed in various characterization techniques including electron microscopy, mass spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and elemental characterization techniques.
(4) Effective communication and organizational skills. Able to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from precollege to graduate school with a variety of technical and cultural backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with materials at the nanoscale.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Review Date

October 25, 2021

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Lisa Stables at lstables@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: September 14, 2021
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