Post-Doctoral Associate
University of Maryland
- Baltimore, MD
- Permanent
- Full-time
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Vaccine Protocol
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:JIFSAN, a joint program of the University of Maryland and the U.S. FDA, is seeking a full-time Post-Doctoral Associate position within the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN).The incumbent will participate in applied regulatory research for targeted and non-targeted mass spectrometric methods for the identification economic adulteration of food products such as honey and fruit juices. Incumbent will collaboratively identify markers, develop databases or libraries, and validate a mass spectrometric method to identify biomarkers and metabolites formed in the production of syrup matrices in comparison to pure honey.Additionally, research will be expanded into characterizing and identifying marker ions that can be used to discriminate the substitution of fruit juices, such as lime and lemon juice. Also, duties will include monitoring instrument performance metrics in lab quality assurance and control programs, as well as providing routine instrument maintenance and calibration service. Completed research studies are expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals.Specific Aims:1. Develop non-targeted mass spectrometric methods for the identification of biomarkers andmetabolites in syrups utilized for the economic adulteration of honey.2. Build upon existing Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) methods for the identification ofadulterated honey products.3. Develop and construct, as necessary, targeted spectral libraries to extend the identifications toother MS platforms.5. Develop methods in the characterization of fruit juices for economic adulteration and substitution.4. Present data at scientific meetings and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.Responsibilities:
- Develop non-targeted and targeted methods utilizing high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) for bio-marker ions found in a variety of syrups. (30%).
- Utilize the HRMS marker ions populated in spectral libraries as well as IRMS honey sample surveys to identify instances of adulteration in import and domestic honey samples. (30%).
- Develop validate a method for the discrimination of adulterated and/or substituted fruit juices. (30%)
- Present data at meetings and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals (10%)
- Ph.D. in Chemistry or equivalent.
- Three years of experience in the application of mass spectrometry methods, preferably with experience in developing non-targeted mass spectrometry methods.
- Demonstrated broad and extensive knowledge of mass spectrometry instrumentation (HRMS, IRMS) and the use of software for non-targeted classification or identification.
- Full professional proficiency in English, written and spoken.
- Ability to operate and maintain a safe, accident-free laboratory environment; safely and properly operate specified laboratory instruments and equipment; and troubleshoot all equipment in a chemistry laboratory.
- Ability to operate and maintain a safe, accident-free laboratory environment; safely and properly operate specified laboratory instruments and equipment; and troubleshoot all equipment in a chemistry laboratory.
- Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.
Additional Certifications:
Additional Information:
Posting Date: 02/20/2024
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled Yes
Best Consideration Date 03/09/2024
Physical Demands
- Predominantly sedentary work.
- Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
- Repetitive motions.
- Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
- The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.
- Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
- The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
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