Fraunhofer USA CMW Job Posting

Fraunhofer USA, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on applied research that bridges the gap between fundamental science and industry, accelerating technology development and market adoption. Located on the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing, the Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest (CMW) specializes in advanced materials and environmental technologies, including water treatment and contaminant analysis.

Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest is seeking a highly motivated and technically strong Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Water Treatment group under the supervision of Ibrahim Abusallout.

This position will focus on the development of novel and advanced analytical method for PFAS analysis in water. The successful candidate will play a key role in a Water Research Foundation–funded project aimed at developing an innovative PFAS analytical tool using a microfluidic electrochemical reactor.

In addition, the Postdoctoral Fellow will have opportunities to contribute to other NSF-, EPA-, and industry-funded projects focused on the development of remediation technologies (e.g., electrochemical oxidation, photolysis/photocatalysis, and adsorption) for PFAS and other contaminants. The candidate will also be encouraged to develop independent research ideas, pursue internal and external funding opportunities, present results at conferences, mentor students and interns, and prepare manuscripts for publication.

The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in advanced environmental analytical chemistry, with demonstrated experience in the analysis of organic contaminants such as PFAS, disinfection byproducts (DBPs), and pesticides. A strong background in analytical method development and validation is required, including optimization of sample preparation and preconcentration techniques (e.g., solid-phase extraction (SPE)).

Applicants should have hands-on experience with targeted and non-targeted analysis (NTA) using advanced instrumentation, including LC-MS/MS, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS, e.g., QTOF), GC-MS/MS, and related techniques.

This is a full-time position with an initial appointment of one year, renewable based on performance and funding availability. The preferred start date is July–August 2026.

Required Qualifications

• PhD. in Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field or equivalent experience
• Strong background in environmental analytical chemistry
• Hands-on experience with LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, as well as sample preparation and preconcentration techniques (e.g., SPE)
• Demonstrated experience in analytical method development and validation
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage and contribute to multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS, e.g., QTOF)
• Expertise in non-targeted analysis (NTA), suspect screening, and feature extraction workflows
• Experience in structural elucidation of unknown compounds using accurate mass and fragmentation patterns
• Experience in the identification of volatile and semi-volatile compounds, including gas-phase byproduct capture (e.g., headspace, purge-and-trap, thermal desorption)
• Knowledge of transformation pathways and reaction mechanisms of contaminants during water treatment, including transformation product analysis using advanced mass spectrometry tools
• Prior publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Strong mentoring, communication, and leadership skills

Application Instructions

Prospective applicants should submit a single PDF containing:

• An up-to-date CV
• A brief statement of research interests

Fraunhofer USA is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other classification protected by applicable laws.  

To apply, please click HERE

Overview

Fraunhofer USA, Inc. is a 501c(3) non-profit organization. Applied research is the foundation of our organization. Fraunhofer USA bridges the gap between basic research and industry aiming to accelerate technology development resulting in faster market penetration. We partner with our clients from academia, government, and industry to transform original ideas into innovations that benefit society and strengthen the economy.

The Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest is located on the campus of the Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. The Center focuses on next generation materials for a variety of markets, including, automotive, energy, environment, and health. The Center’s technology portfolio includes additive manufacturing, coatings, plasma sources, diamond materials, water and wastewater treatment and laser applications.  

Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest is seeking highly motivated, reliable, and technically competent individuals to join our team. Participating as an International Intern you will play an integral part within our diverse team of experts advancing novel research and development processes for a variety of markets.

Undergraduate interns can expect to learn the responsibilities of an engineer within our organization by taking part in several industry and government R&D projects. Interns can also expect to interact with researchers from our industrial customers as well as professors at our academic partners.

Training will be provided; however, this position will require someone with the ability to absorb and understand technical topics, with preference given to candidates that can demonstrate this ability through experience or education.

Internship Openings

• Additive Manufacturing Internship
• Coatings Group Internship
• Materials Analysis Internship
• Water and Wastewater Treatment Internship
• Fate and Transport of Emerging Contaminants Internship
• Biosystems Internship
• Systems Group Internship- Machine Software Development
• Diamond material synthesis Internship

Required Qualifications

• Current enrollment in an engineering, natural science, business, or other applicable program
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Software
• Detail oriented, reliable, responsible, and team-oriented work attitude

Fraunhofer USA is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other classification protected by applicable laws.   

Check back for future oppotunities