Overview

Fraunhofer USA, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on applied research that bridges the gap between fundamental science and industry, accelerating technology development and market adoption. Located on the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing, the Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest (CMW) specializes in advanced materials and environmental technologies, including water treatment and contaminant analysis.

Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest is seeking a highly motivated and technically strong Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Water Treatment group under the supervision of Ibrahim Abusallout.

This position will focus on the development of novel and advanced analytical method for PFAS analysis in water. The successful candidate will play a key role in a Water Research Foundation–funded project aimed at developing an innovative PFAS analytical tool using a microfluidic electrochemical reactor.

In addition, the Postdoctoral Fellow will have opportunities to contribute to other NSF-, EPA-, and industry-funded projects focused on the development of remediation technologies (e.g., electrochemical oxidation, photolysis/photocatalysis, and adsorption) for PFAS and other contaminants. The candidate will also be encouraged to develop independent research ideas, pursue internal and external funding opportunities, present results at conferences, mentor students and interns, and prepare manuscripts for publication.

The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in advanced environmental analytical chemistry, with demonstrated experience in the analysis of organic contaminants such as PFAS, disinfection byproducts (DBPs), and pesticides. A strong background in analytical method development and validation is required, including optimization of sample preparation and preconcentration techniques (e.g., solid-phase extraction (SPE)).

Applicants should have hands-on experience with targeted and non-targeted analysis (NTA) using advanced instrumentation, including LC-MS/MS, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS, e.g., QTOF), GC-MS/MS, and related techniques.

This is a full-time position with an initial appointment of one year, renewable based on performance and funding availability. The preferred start date is July–August 2026.

Required Qualifications

PhD. in Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field or equivalent experience
Strong background in environmental analytical chemistry
Hands-on experience with LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, as well as sample preparation and preconcentration techniques (e.g., SPE)
Demonstrated experience in analytical method development and validation
Strong written and oral communication skills
Ability to manage and contribute to multiple projects simultaneously
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS, e.g., QTOF)
Expertise in non-targeted analysis (NTA), suspect screening, and feature extraction workflows
Experience in structural elucidation of unknown compounds using accurate mass and fragmentation patterns
Experience in the identification of volatile and semi-volatile compounds, including gas-phase byproduct capture (e.g., headspace, purge-and-trap, thermal desorption)
Knowledge of transformation pathways and reaction mechanisms of contaminants during water treatment, including transformation product analysis using advanced mass spectrometry tools
Prior publication record in peer-reviewed journals
Strong mentoring, communication, and leadership skills

Application Instructions

Prospective applicants should submit a single PDF containing:

An up-to-date CV
A brief statement of research interests

Fraunhofer USA is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other classification protected by applicable laws.

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