Overview

RTI is a leader in multi-disciplinary research, addressing complex problems that impact human health. RTI’s Exposure and Protection (E&P) Group conducts research on inhalation exposure assessment and the corresponding effects on human health through basic and applied research that spans the entire source-exposure-dose paradigm. A current, growing research program in our group encompasses Tobacco Regulatory Science. Specifically, our research focus is the intersection of aerosol physicochemical properties, tobacco product design, and toxicological impacts. This program is complemented by strong internal and external collaborations in exposure measurement and modeling, analytical measurement of aerosol physicochemical properties, in vitro toxicology, computational modeling, and bioinformatics.

We are seeking to grow our Tobacco Regulatory Science research program by hiring a dynamic, driven, and detail-oriented Post-Doctoral Aerosol Scientist to grow this strategic area.  

The postdoctoral aerosol scientist will lead up to two existing research projects. You will be able to select from research projects that are investigating various aspects of electronic nicotine delivery systems, cigars, and hookahs. All projects involve investigating the relationship between device design features and aerosol (i.e., harmful and potentially harmful constituent) formation. The research will include using a wide range of commercially available and custom-made aerosol generation, aerosol sample collection, and aerosol physicochemical characterization instrumentation as part of an integrated experimental system. If interested, you will have the opportunity to learn about or gain more experience with analytical chemistry instrumentation, cell model exposure systems, biological assays, and statistical analyses.  

To be successful in this role you will have demonstrated success working in a multidisciplinary, collaborative, and scientifically driven environment.

Responsibilities

You will be expected to work with senior researchers to:

• Lead one or two research projects that investigate tobacco product design, aerosol physicochemical properties, toxicological impacts of tobacco products, or any combination of those three areas.
• Lead the dissemination of results through journal publications and conference presentations.
• Lead or assist with proposal preparation for internal and external funding.
• Foster collaborations with internal and external research collaborators.
• Provide daily technical direction to our BS level laboratory researchers.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to learn how to build a research program.
• Advance your technical skills and experience in a cutting-edge research and development program.
• Gain experience leading contract- and grant-based research studies.
• Build your proposal writing skills with mentorship and direction from a diverse and highly experienced team.
• Experience guiding the work of our BS level laboratory researchers.
• Opportunities to contribute to a broad range of multi- and trans-disciplinary research.
• Position includes health care, paid leave, numerous lifestyle perks, and 401k contributions.

Qualifications

• PhD in aerosol science from a school of engineering, science, or public health.
• Knowledge of aerosol instrumentation and analytical methods to measure aerosol physicochemical properties.
• Highly motivated and detail-oriented researcher.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• First author on 3 or more peer-reviewed journal publications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• BS or MS in chemical or mechanical engineering.
• Dissertation with a Tobacco Regulatory Science focus.
• Understanding of electronics: circuitry, power supply, etc.
• Knowledge of statistical methods for experimental design and data analysis using appropriate software.
• Data management software skills (R, Python, SQL)
• Experience with writing proposals for external or internal funding.
• Experience using modern techniques to dose in vitro ALI models with aerosols.
• Knowledge of bioaerosol sampling and analysis methods.
• Knowledge of biomarkers of exposure and health effects associated with aerosol inhalation.
• Integration of the social determinants of health principles into your research.
• Understanding of epidemiology principles.

EEO & Pay Equity Statements

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States.

RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.

Hiring Salary Range

$65,000 - $75,000