Postdoctoral Fellow Environmental Chemistry (Borch)

CSU Spur is hiring a Postdoctoral Fellow in Environmental Chemistry in Fort Collins, CO. The role involves developing analytical methods for assessing contaminants in industrial wastewater using high-resolution mass spectrometry. The position requires in-office work and offers a salary range of $60,000-$80,000, depending on experience. The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences focuses on research and education to address global food production and environmental challenges.
Posting Details

Posting Detail Information

Working Title Postdoctoral Fellow Environmental Chemistry (Borch) Position Location Fort Collins, CO Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person Research Professional Position Yes Posting Number 202500132AP Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional Classification Title Postdoctoral Fellows Number of Vacancies Work Hours/Week 40 Proposed Annual Salary Range $60,000-$80,000 Salary depends on years of experience post-degree. Employee Benefits

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Desired Start Date Position End Date (if temporary) To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 02/24/2025 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.

Essential Duties

Job Duty Category Research 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 Time 70 Job Duty Category Authorship 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 Time 30

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 Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires) Search Contact Thomas Borch, Thomas.Borch@colostate.edu EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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 Requested 3 Maximum Requested 3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial Transcripts

Optional Documents