Research Associate

Description:

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Establish methods and protocols for identifying and quantifying the reactive volatile components of commercial products using analytical tools at the Met and, when necessary, local universities.

• Collaborate with Germany’s BAM institute to interpret BEMMA test results on materials.

• Determine the concentration of a subset of the reactive chemicals present in each product and subject those chemicals to Oddy or paper-testing.

• Establish the levels of corrosion or tarnish produced by the materials and relate the chemicals and their concentrations to the limits for the three levels of degradation commonly used in the Oddy test (permanent, temporary, or unsuitable).

• Utilize electrochemical stripping tools and methodologies to quantify the degree of metal corrosion on copper, silver, and lead coupons. Correlate degree of corrosion with chemical concentration.

• Utilize surface analysis tools including x-ray diffraction, Raman and infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy to identify the phase of corrosion observed on copper, silver, and lead coupons. Correlate phase of corrosion with chemical reactants.

• Establish benchmarking chemical solutions and provide solutions to at least 10 other institutions or individuals that also conduct materials testing using the Oddy test.

• Coordinate a local materials testing conference focused on disseminating research results and advances in material testing for cultural heritage.

• Collaborate with PCSL staff, research assistant, and steering committee throughout project.

• Maintain analytical tools as needed throughout project.

• Document novel methods and operating procedures.

• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals.

• Prepare and present results at national and/or international conferences.

• Document and share results on the AIC’s Materials Testing wiki site, developing a benchmarking page for the site in collaboration with contracted web developer.

• Other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, materials science, related disciplines, or equivalent experience.

• 1-3 years of experience in quantification of volatile unknowns, air quality testing, or chromatography-based testing and analysis.

• Demonstrated expertise in advanced liquid or gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques such as GC/MS, HPLC, or ion chromatography (required).

• Experience developing and implementing testing methods and protocols for volatiles analysis, ideally the identification and quantification of unknowns (required).

• Experience quantifying the concentration of volatiles in complex mixtures (preferred).