NOAA Postdoctoral Fellowship for Algal Toxin Sensor Development

NOAA Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), Stressor Detection and Impacts Division (SDI), Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring and Reference (HAB M&R) Branch located in Charleston, South Carolina. The opportunity will be based at the Hollings Marine Laboratory in Charleston, SC, which houses investigators representing NOAA, National Institute of Standards & Technology, Medical University of SC, College of Charleston, and SC Dept. of Natural Resources.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) formed the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) in 1999 as the focal point for NOAA’s coastal ocean science efforts. NCCOS uses cutting-edge research and high-tech instrumentation to provide citizens, coastal managers, public health officials, and other decision makers with reliable information needed to determine how best to protect environmental resources and public health, preserve valued habitats, and improve the way communities interact with coastal ecosystems. NCCOS is headquartered in Silver Spring, MD, but also has research labs across the nation. NCCOS also has many assets, including research programs, vessels, satellites, science centers, laboratories, and a vast pool of distinguished scientists and experts across a range of fields.

The HAB M&R Branch develops and delivers sensor technologies for near real-time detection of HAB toxins. This actionable information provides early warning and informs certain forecasting products for mitigating potential health risks and economic threats posed by HABs in the Great Lakes and marine coastal regions of the U.S. While national in scope, sensor development efforts and products are tailored to address regional needs and detect specific HAB toxins. These sensor technologies represent valuable decision support tools and their implementation is intended to support coastal resource managers, public health officials, and other stakeholders. 

Research Project: The aim of the current project is to build on our program's prior achievements in deploying HAB toxin sensors on autonomous underwater and field-portable platforms. The focus of this opportunity will be on continuing to develop, validate, and implement sophisticated, yet automated sample preparation and analysis techniques, interfaced with miniaturized sensors, and integrated onto deployment platforms accessible to a broad range of resource managers and other stakeholders as part of NOAA’s mission.

The participant will be expected to function at a high level in the laboratory, independently executing R&D activities developed and designed in consultation with the mentor. The participant's contributions will improve, advance, and optimize HAB toxin sensor technologies currently being implemented, as well as identify and describe new avenues of research that have a high probability of success. This success will be defined as yielding technologies that can be transitioned into operational tools that address the needs of diverse end-users for accurate, rapid, cost-effective, and robust determinations of HAB toxins in various region-specific applications (e.g., resource monitoring/management, aquaculture, water quality).

Learning Objectives: The participant will gain knowledge of and apply molecular-based bioassays in diverse formats (e.g., membrane- and waveguide-based arrays, surface plasmon resonance sensor chips), incorporating various toxin-recognition elements (e.g., antibodies and other proteins) and implemented on a range of deployment platforms, including autonomous fixed-position instruments and mobile, surface and sub-surface vehicles, as well as hand-held/ portable devices. The participant will become familiar with bioassay development strategies and approaches for optimizing performance specifications and validating such tests, as well as improving their understanding of what is required to transition R&D outputs towards an operational framework. In addition, the participant will assist in conducting a critical evaluation and assessment of spectroscopy/ chemometrics/ machine learning strategies as a viable, point-of-use HAB toxin detection technology for pursuing further R&D activity in this area, including proof-of-principle studies. The participant will also establish a broad and vibrant network of diverse research collaborators as part of their professional development.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Greg Doucette (greg.doucette@noaa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Summer/Fall 2023.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year but may be renewed upon recommendation of NOAA and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens.

ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and NOAA. Participants do not become employees of NOAA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions: If you have questions about the application process please email NOAA@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields or be currently pursuing one of the degrees with completion before October 2, 2023. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred skills: