Postdoctoral Associate

Rutgers University • Piscataway, NJ

69d

About The Position

A postdoc position is available with an anticipated start date of May 2026 in Dr. Nicole Fahrenfeld's group in Civil & Environmental Engineering at Rutgers University-New Brunswick (https://sites.google.com/site/nicolefahrenfeld/home). The postdoc will lead research on the quantification, fate, and transport of microplastics impacted by PFAS in the environment. The position is funded as a part of the DoD's Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) (https://serdp-estcp.mil/page/415323e5-04d5-4783-ad11-5201a59f456d). The project is a collaboration between Rutgers, Temple, and CDM Smith. The initial appointment will be for 12 months, renewable for another one-year contingent on satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. About the Fahrenfeld Group The Fahrenfeld Group works at the interface of environmental chemistry and environmental microbiology to promote water quality and sustainability. The team works closely with Dr. Georgia Arbuckle-Keil's group in Chemistry at Rutgers University in Camden, NJ on several microplastics projects. Their microplastic research has been funded by National Science Foundation, NJ Sea Grant, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, and Water Research Foundation, among others.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, or related fields.
• Highly motivated, capable of working independently and in a collaborative environment.

Nice To Haves

• Significant experience with methods for extraction and analysis of environmental plastics is required including FTIR (ATR- and FTIR-microscopy), Raman spectroscopy, and/or Pyrolysis GC-MS.
• Experience conducting controlled laboratory weathering studies is desirable.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are required.
• Evidence of contributions funding agency reports is desirable.
• While the primary work location is in Piscataway NJ, travel to labs in Camden NJ will be required for selected analyses, therefore candidates with a valid driver's license and access to a reliable personal vehicle are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on the quantification, fate, and transport of microplastics impacted by PFAS in the environment.

Benefits

• Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees