The Strange Phenomena of Odor Masking
NIST seeks researchers to study odor masking in natural gas, investigating interactions that cause odor fading using techniques like NMR and vapor equilibrium measurements.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 (closed) | August 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: Stipend approximately $82,764 per year plus $3,000 travel allowance; typical appointment duration 2 years.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral research at NIST on odor masking phenomena in natural gas, focusing on chemical interactions causing odor fading using techniques like NMR and vapor-liquid equilibrium measurements.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens with a doctoral degree; requires contacting the research adviser prior to application; NIST participates in February and August review cycles only.
Description
This research opportunity is offered through the NRC Research Associateship Programs at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), specifically within the Material Measurement Laboratory's Applied Chemicals and Materials Division in Boulder, CO. The project focuses on the "strange phenomena of odor masking" in natural gas, a critical safety issue where odorants added to natural gas to make it detectable sometimes fade or become undetectable due to chemical interactions.
Key research areas include:
- Investigating odor masking manifestations such as suppression, cross adaptation, and Zwaardermaker conjugation (where pairs of strong-smelling compounds combine to produce little or no odor).
- Studying small molecule–protein interactions using high-field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
- Measuring vapor-liquid equilibrium of odorants with liquids that may form odor agonists.
- Collaborating with an international task force and participating in workshops involving the olfaction research community.
This opportunity provides Associates with access to comprehensive research on odor masking, including experimental and theoretical approaches, and engagement with leading experts in the field.
