Postdoctoral Researcher in Environmental Chemistry

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join our vibrant and diverse research team at York University in Toronto, Canada. The researcher will work primarily with Cora Young within the larger atmospheric chemistry group co-led by Cora and Trevor VandenBoer.  The position will focus on improving our understanding of the atmospheric sources, fate, and transport of fluorinated chemicals in the atmosphere (e.g., poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)). The position will involve both experimental work and field measurements using commercial (e.g., time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometer, ion chromatography-mass spectrometry) and custom-built instrumentation. The researcher will have the opportunity to measure PFAS during the Toronto Halogens, Emissions, Contaminants, and Inorganics eXperiment (THE CIX, a Toronto-based groundsite part of NOAA’s AEROMMA campaign). Exact project details beyond that are dependent on the experience and interest of the person hired and can be discussed during the interview stage. We are looking for someone with a PhD in atmospheric chemistry, analytical chemistry, or a related field. Experience with one or more of the following would be considered an asset: mass spectrometry; separation science; design and set up of laboratory experiments; environmental sample collection; trace analysis; fluorinated substances; and analysis of large datasets.

As a member of the team, the postdoctoral researcher can expect the following opportunities: to learn and develop new hands-on and data analysis skills; to build upon existing expertise, either through collaborations or leading side projects; to hone leadership skills through mentoring and project oversight; and to develop professional skills specific to their career objectives, with direct support in seeking job opportunities, training (e.g., teaching, finance management, proposal writing), and the preparation of materials. Former postdoctoral researchers from the group have gone on to jobs in government, industry, and academia.

York University is a leading international teaching and research university, and a driving force for positive change, embodied by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, with which this position is aligned with Goals 3, 6, 12, and 13. The campus is located in the north end of Toronto, Canada’s largest city. The university is easily accessible by car or transit, including by subway from downtown Toronto.

The position can begin in winter or spring of 2023. If interested, please send a cover letter, cv, and the names and contact information for two references to Cora (youngcj at yorku.ca). Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Resources

Cora’s group website: https://www.cjygroup.com

Another postdoctoral research position is also available in the atmospheric chemistry group at York University, where the researcher will work more closely with Trevor: https://www.tcvandenboer.ca/postdoc-opportunity

AEROMMA campaign information: https://csl.noaa.gov/projects/aeromma/

Experiences of a former postdoctoral researcher: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41557-022-00960-x