Summer Researcher

Role details

Title: Summer Researcher Department: Associate Professor Reports To: Associate Professor Position Summary: The PRANA Lab at NJIT develops programmable, responsive, and adaptive microfluidic biosensing platforms for applications spanning point-of-care diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and defense. Our flagship systems—including the ESSENCE (Electrochemical Sensing System with Ionic-liquid-based Nanoporous Configurations for Environments) platform and the Porous Membrane Transducer (PMT)—leverage impedance spectroscopy, ionic liquid interfaces, and AI/ML-driven signal processing to enable multiplexed, real-time detection of chemical and biological analytes.

We seek a hands-on Summer Researcher to contribute to advancing electrochemical gas sensing technology over a focused 10-week term, supporting innovative research in environmental monitoring and chemical detection.

Essential Functions

Design, fabricate, and characterize electrochemical microfluidic gas sensing cells incorporating ionic liquid electrolytes. Develop and optimize electrode materials, including indium tin oxide (ITO) and carbon-based electrodes, to enhance sensor sensitivity and selectivity. Integrate porous membrane transducer architectures into portable, field-deployable sensing modules. Conduct impedance spectroscopy and amperometric measurements for volatile organic compound (VOC) detection and quantification. Implement and refine machine learning models, including neural networks and random forests, for multi-analyte classification and concentration prediction.

Develop signal drift correction protocols to improve long-term sensor stability under real-world operating conditions. Integrate sensor data acquisition with embedded computing platforms to support autonomous, portable operation. Design and execute experiments to evaluate sensor performance against established reference methods. Document experimental procedures and results, prepare technical reports, and contribute to presentations. Provide technical data and analytical results to support ongoing development of the ESSENCE-Air platform. Collaborate with graduate and undergraduate students within the PRANA Lab.

Prerequisite Qualifications: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field. Demonstrated hands-on experience with electrochemical sensing techniques, including impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and amperometry. Experience designing and fabricating microfluidic devices. Ability to work independently, troubleshoot technical challenges, and deliver results within established project timelines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with ionic liquid-based electrolyte systems for gas sensing applications. Familiarity with AI/ML frameworks such as Python, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or equivalent tools applied to chemical sensor data. Experience developing portable or field-deployable analytical instrumentation. Experience with impedance data analysis and equivalent circuit modeling. Background in point-of-care diagnostics or environmental sensing applications.

Compensation

$35.71/hour At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position. Range: Hourly Employees NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, or other items.

FLSA: Non-Exempt Time Type: Part time Pay Rate: Hourly Additional Information: As an EEO employer NJIT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive teaching, research, and working environment and strongly encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women. Employment at NJIT is subject to the provisions of New Jersey First Act which mandates new employees, who are not NJ residents, to establish primary residence in New Jersey within one year of their appointment to certain positions.

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