Post-Doctoral Associate

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 analytical method development and the implementation of quantitative mass spectrometry techniques for the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food contact articles. The incumbent will collaboratively implement methodologies in the field of quantitative mass spectrometry for the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food contact articles, such as non-stick cookware coatings and food processing equipment. Results will be shared with the Office of Food Additive Safety for the determination of potential exposure to PFAS from food contact articles. Additional duties will include monitoring instrument performance metrics and instrument maintenance. Written reports will be needed for intra- and inter-office communication for collaboration and coordination of research efforts. Completed research studies are expected to be presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Perform migration studies on food contact articles collected from the open market and utilize existing targeted liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry methods to determine residue levels of PFAS in repeat use fluorocarbon resins. (50%) 2. Develop and implement LC-MS/MS methods for the identification and quantification of possible replacement PFAS emulsifiers in repeat use articles. (10%) 3. Confer with the Office of Food Additive Safety to ensure the acquired data suites their needs for the determination of the potential dietary exposure to PFAS from food contact articles. (20%) 4. Monitor and ensure instrument and data analysis performance using appropriate quality controls, as well as provide routine instrument maintenance and calibration. (10%) 5. Prepare manuscripts and presentations. (10%)