Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004528) Part-time

Postdoctoral Fellow

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

Research Title: Single molecule biodosimetry

The work will entail development and refinement of new methods for ionizing radiation biodosimetry using single molecule resistive pulse sensors. The scientist will work closely with a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of researchers to design, build, and test novel instrumentation that provides measurements of radiation damage to genetic material when subjected to ionizing radiation. The scientist will conduct experiments to measure ultrahigh dose rate effect to develop a mechanistic understanding of the FLASH effect radiation sources including electron beam, proton beam and other novel radiotherapy sources. The scientist will develop prototype devices to enable measurements on site (in the field or medical clinic). Single molecule measurements will be validated with conventional measurement systems such as gel electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry and results will be cross correlated with cell viability assays.

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Preparation of samples for irradiation protocols
• Design, build and use prototype nanopore devices to measure signatures of DNA damage.
• Analyze resistive pulse signals to quantify genetic damage and build models to describe physical and chemical mechanisms of radiation damage

Presenting results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external stakeholders.

Ensuring that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization.

Qualifications

A doctoral degree in Physics, Chemistry, Nanotechnology or a related field.

3+ years of experience with biomedical device design, control, and use

Biosensor development

Experience with bioelectronic materials

Experience with electron microscopes including TEM and SEM

Familiarity with Matlab software for instrument control and data analysis

Strong oral and written communication skills