Apply on Employer Site

ORAU · 3 weeks ago

Organic Capillary Electrophoresis Analysis System (OCEANS) Instrument Hardware Development and Validation

Pasadena, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

ORAU is offering a postdoctoral position in microscale chemical analyzer instrument development at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The role involves the development and validation of an automated capillary electrophoresis - mass spectrometry (CE-MS) instrument for analyzing astrobiologically relevant compounds, with a significant engineering component for robotic spaceflight missions.

Universities

Culture & Values

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Development and validation of an automated capillary electrophoresis - mass spectrometry (CE-MS) instrument capable of analysis of astrobiologically relevant compounds including amino acids, carboxylic acids, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Leverage sample handling, electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry instrumentation and methods developed previously at JPL

Develop automated methods and associated hardware for end-to-end analysis of water and/or ice samples

Scientifically validate the bioanalytical approach using ocean world analog samples collected from glaciers, sub-glacial lakes, or deep ocean currents

Qualification

Analytical ChemistryCapillary ElectrophoresisMass SpectrometryElectrospray IonizationAnalytical System DesignElectronics/PCB DesignMechanical Design/CADProgrammingSystem Design

Required

Recent Ph.D. in chemistry or a chemistry-related discipline

Strong background in analytical chemistry

Experience in capillary electrophoresis

Experience in electrospray ionization

Experience in mass spectrometry using custom-developed hardware

Experience in analytical system design

Experience in electronics/PCB design

Experience in programming

Experience in mechanical design/CAD

Official doctoral transcript documents

Research proposal

Three letters of recommendation

Company

ORAU

Glassdoor4.4

ORAU provides innovative scientific and technical solutions to advance research and education, protect public health and the environment and strengthen national security.

Founded in 1946