NMR Scientist at the Environmental NMR Centre, University of Toronto
Scarborough
The Environmental NMR Centre and the Department of Physical and Environmental
Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough are seeking a Senior NMR
Research Associate to oversee the daily operation, training, and management of
the Environmental NMR Centre. The position has a very large research and
development component and the candidate is expected to work closely in and with
the facilities Directors to maintain the centre at the cutting-edge of
Environmental NMR globally and be central to pioneering new developments in NMR
in general.
The Environmental NMR Centre currently houses two unique, Bruker BioSpin NMR
systems. The first is a fully hyphenated 2D-HPLC-SPE-NMR-MS, and is novel both
in Canada and Environmental Research in general. The second system has
capabilities to perform in situ multiphase NMR analyses of heterogeneous
samples that contain solid, gel and solution phase samples, the hardware is
globally unique and being co-developed directly with Bruker BioSpin. The Centre
focuses on the development and application of NMR techniques to study a range
of environmental problems. The current topics of research include:
environmental metabolomics, LC-SPE-NMR-MS applications to complex environmental
mixtures, in vivo NMR spectroscopy imaging, hyperpolarization, DNP, development
of multiphase NMR methods (solids, HR-MAS, solutions NMR as a single
technique). In addition, the Centre focuses on the development and application
of novel NMR approaches to complex systems (including soils, ocean sediments,
atmospheric deposits (particles, rain, snow, glacial ice), cells, tissues,
small organisms and other environmental matrices) to better understand
structure and environmental reactivity.
After an initial probationary period, this will be a continuing full-time
appointment.
The NMR scientist will report to the Chair of the Department and work closely
with the Director and Associate Director of the Environmental NMR Centre. The
research associate will be responsible for instrument maintenance, training of
graduate students/postdoctoral fellows/visiting scientists, assist in writing
grant applications to upgrade the centre and co-publication of research with
the facility's principal investigators and collaborators. The candidate will
also be expected to lead research projects publishing both as a primary and
secondary author. The successful candidate will take an active role in all
aspects of the research of the NMR Centre and will strive to ensure that he/she
becomes recognized as a leader in the field of Environmental NMR spectroscopy.
The candidate will also be involved in undergraduate thesis supervision in the
Department's chemistry program and will be encouraged to apply to instruct one
course in the undergraduate chemistry program on a yearly basis. The candidate
will also oversee the operation/maintenance of a teaching/research Departmental
NMR system (Bruker BioSpin 500MHz Avance) and ensure that faculty and students
can acquire high quality data required for the teaching and research programs.
These duties will include the set up of new experiments, training of
students/faculty, maintenance and calibration. Candidates should note that the
departmental NMR system is fully automated (BACS) with a single automatic
tuning and matching probe (ATM) and that the department has only a small number
of users, once running smoothly should require minimal intervention on a daily
basis.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Chemistry or related discipline with a very
strong background in NMR spectroscopy and a drive/passion for the development
of NMR spectroscopy. In exceptional circumstances, an established leader in the
field with a MSc degree but more than 10 years of experience may be considered.
In addition, experience with metabolomics, chromatography, mass spectrometry
and working with complex biological and/or environmental systems are a strong
assets. Experience with pulse programming, custom processing of NMR data
(MATLAB, ACD, etc.) and programming/webpage design is also beneficial.
Experience with Bruker instruments is very important and the ideal candidate
will have experience in (or enthusiastic to learn) all areas of NMR including
solutions, HR-MAS, solids and imaging.
Salary will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience.
Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of
research, a statement of teaching and three letters of reference to:
Rose Jones (Assistant to the Chair)
NMR Scientist Search Committee
Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences
University of Toronto Scarborough
1265 Military Trial
Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4
Email submissions should be sent to: rjones@utsc.utoronto.ca
Unfortunately, applications that are not accompanied by at least three
references cannot be considered.
We will start reviewing applications beginning September 13, 2010, although the
search will remain open until the position is filled.
The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its
community and especially welcomes applications from visible minority group
members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, members of
sexual minority groups, and others who may contribute to the further
diversification of ideas.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and
permanent residents will be given priority.
