Quantitative Elemental Analysis of Ewaste
This grant funds chemical analysis of e-waste from recyclers to better understand its composition and promote a circular economy.
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 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: $82,764 stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; typical appointment duration 2 years.
Summary: Fellowship funding for postdoctoral research focused on quantitative chemical analysis of e-waste to support circular economy initiatives.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens with a doctoral degree; research conducted on-site at NIST in Gaithersburg, MD; application requires contacting a research adviser prior to applying.
Description
This fellowship opportunity supports postdoctoral research on the quantitative elemental analysis of electronic waste (e-waste) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The goal is to better understand the chemical composition of e-waste, which is critical for advancing recovery and recycling efforts within the circular economy framework.
The research involves receiving e-waste samples from partner recyclers, homogenizing the material, and performing both destructive and non-destructive chemical analyses. Techniques available include Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis (PGAA), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF).
Candidates will develop homogenization processes and measurement techniques, with potential future work including the development of standard reference materials to support the e-waste recycling industry and further research into e-waste composition and recovery processes.
