Basic and applied research opportunities are available to investigate novel technologies for detection of biological and chemical contaminants in food and environmental samples. Research will contribute towards development of novel sample preparation methods, diagnostic assays, and sensing platforms to create rapid, low-cost, portable sensors that overcome current limitations of lab-based chemical analysis, molecular diagnostics (PCR), and culture counting. Potential research areas include but are not limited to (1) development of novel methods to extract and concentrate biological and chemical contaminants from complex sample matrices (food, environmental water, soil, etc) for down-stream diagnostics; (2) development of paper microfluidic based sensors for food pathogen detection; (3) investigation of optical fiber based sensors for contaminant detection; (4) development of portable sensors for water quality monitoring by individual soldiers; (5) design of novel assay chemistries and ligands (immunoassays, bacteriophage assays, molecular diagnostics, molecular imprinted polymers, synthetic peptides, etc) to enhance sensor performance. Candidates will collaborate with scientists at CCDC Soldier Center and external partners to create novel technologies that support food and water testing for the Department of Defense.