Postdoc in multiphase NMR - Toronto, Ontario - Canada
From NMR Wiki
posted: Oct 9 2010
University of Toronto at Scarborough, Toronto, ON, has an open postdoctoral position at the Environmental NMR Centre, Department of Chemistry.
Project Description
This is a unique opportunity to develop a novel area of NMR spectroscopy termed Comprehensive Multiphase NMR spectroscopy (CMP NMR). The position is for 1 year, and may be extended to 18 months depending on budget. The candidate will join a team working on the development of CMP NMR. CMP NMR is a new area of NMR spectroscopy that incorporates solid-state, semi-solids (HR-MAS) and solution-state NMR. The candidate will work with a range of unique hardware prototypes to study intact natural samples that have solid, gel and liquid components (samples may include plants, soils, sediments, tissue/bone etc.) thereby eliminating the need for drying or pre-treatment. This research aims to differentiate molecular structures in various natural phases and more importantly, to permit the study of the chemistry and transport between phases and across key interfaces by NMR spectroscopy for the first time. The successful candidate will have excellent opportunities to publish in a diverse range of disciplines. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with Bruker BioSpin and will involve: 1) fundamental development of the technique and preliminary applications in a range of disciplines; and 2) development of applications in environmental chemistry. Environmental applications will focus on understanding the molecular processes behind soil/sediment contamination. The costs associated with the clean-up of contaminated sites in the European Union and the United States is on the order of 1.4 trillion euro. However, current remediation strategies target only the soluble fraction of soil leaving a considerable soil-bound component, that has been linked to a variety of illnesses. Remediation of this “sequestered” fraction is presently impossible as the chemical components of soil that strongly bind contaminants as-well as the molecular mechanisms that hold the contaminants to the soil are not known. CMP-NMR will provide a detailed insight at the molecular-level of the processes that cause contaminants to be entrapped in the soil matrix and describe the complete binding environment of the contaminant in unaltered natural samples. The results of this project will contribute directly to the development of novel soil remediation strategies.
The candidate must have a strong background in NMR spectroscopy ideally with expertise in solid-state, HR-MAS and solution-state NMR. Expertise in one area is sufficient as long the candidate is willing and interesting in to learn all areas of NMR spectroscopy. The candidate must be open minded and willing to work with very complex environmental samples. The candidate will have access to a range of state of-the-art equipment at the Environmental NMR center including prototype multiphase probes and hardware, as well as solid-state, HR-MAS, liquid-state, micro-imaging, and hyphenated (2D-HPLC-SPE-NMR-MS(Q-q-TOF) NMR spectrometers.
The candidate should have an interest in environmental chemistry and/or willingness to learn key issues in this field.
How to apply
Candidates should send a complete C.V. including a publication list, a one page statement outlining their suitability and their interest in the position. Candidates should arrange to have 2-3 references sent directly. Applications without the appropriate references have to be considered incomplete and cannot be considered.
Applications and references should be sent to
Professor André Simpson Director of the Environmental NMR Center Department of Chemistry Division of Physical and Environmental Sciences University of Toronto at Scarborough 1265 Military Trail Toronto, MIC 1A4 Canada
or e-mailed as a PDF attachment to andre.simpson@utoronto.ca
We are looking to fill the position immediately and applications will be considered as they are received. We would like to fill the position and have the candidate start by Jan 1st 2011 at the absolute latest. Candidates that can start immediately will be given preference.
