Postdoc Position in Atmospheric Chemistry

Ref PAR 2021/743

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 53 500 students and 6 500 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology conducts high-quality research and education in chemical sciences and molecular life sciences. Our research and education focuses on a deep understanding of chemical and biological processes in cells and in the environment.

We address important societal issues such as antibiotic resistance, cancer, brain diseases, environmental problems and climate change. In this way, we contribute to achieving the UN's global goals for sustainable development in the areas of good health and well-being, sustainable energy for all, sustainable cities and communities, and combating climate change.

The department is an international environment with interdisciplinary collaborations in both research and education, and contributes strongly to the University of Gothenburg's top ranking in life science.

The department is responsible for postgraduate education in the subject area Natural Sciences with a focus on chemistry, biophysics, biology and educational science. In addition, the department hosts educational programs in molecular biology, genomics and systems biology, chemistry, organic chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry, as well as prescription education. The department collaborates with various societal actors such as schools, business and authorities. The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology has around 200 employees. We are located in central premises both on Campus Johanneberg and on Campus Medicinareberget in Gothenburg.

Our atmospheric science constellation is unique in Sweden in that it takes a molecular approach to transport and reaction processes in the atmosphere. A unifying focus is the study of aerosols, with activities ranging from fundamental studies of chemical reactions on the molecular level, to applied work including field studies of atmospheric processes, their importance to current climate and air quality research. The research contributes to developments in the fields of colloidal chemistry, nanotechnology, medicine as well as development of traffic related chemistry and sustainable development in developing countries.

More details on our research can be found at https://www.gu.se/en/chemistry-molecular-biology/our-research/atmospheric-science

Job assignments

Research in atmospheric chemistry using high resolution mass spectrometry with chemical ionization. The aim of this project is to quantify, understand and provide tools to describe atmospheric oxidation of organic compounds. This oxidation is important to understand formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) but also the generally production of oxygenated compounds that can effect air quality both in outdoor and indoor environments. Aerosol particles are crucial components in any evaluation process regarding air quality and climate change. SOA represents a significant fraction of the tropospheric aerosol. Still, the current level of understanding of SOA processes is remarkably low compared to other processes in aerosol science, i.e. modelled SOA based on experimental findings and existing theory does not capture the variability of observed SOA loadings and often predicts far less SOA than observed. It has been indicated that biogenic SOA can be largely affected by anthropogenic pollutants, i.e. NO2, SO2 or organic compounds e.g. aromatics and aldehydes. The effect of anthropogenic pollutants may explain part of the discrepancy between models and field observations. Specifically, this project applies high resolution mass spectroscopy techniques for detailed analysis of gas and particle phase to elucidate chemical mechanisms of importance for atmospheric SOA. A specific aim is how to link SOA mechanisms to model developments for descriptions in air quality and climate models.

The experiments will primarily be conducted using our high-resolution time-of-flight chemical-ionization mass spectrometer (http://www.atmos-meas-tech.net/7/983/2014/amt-7-983-2014.html) in combination with inlets separating particle and gas phase for characterization of organic compositions. In addition to work in Sweden one is expected to participate in our international collaboration projects and might during limited time be relocated abroad (ca weeks to a month).

The work involves a great deal of analysis and evaluation of measurement data for the understanding and quantification of atmospheric oxidation of organic substances.

Qualifications

Eligible to be employed as a postdoctoral fellow is a person who has completed a doctoral degree, artistic doctoral degree or who has a foreign degree that is deemed to correspond to a doctoral degree. In the first instance, the person who has completed the degree no more than three years before the end of the application period should be considered. Even those who have previously graduated should be considered in the first place, if there are special reasons. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, service in the total defense, positions of trust within trade unions and student organizations or parental leave or other similar circumstances.

A requirement is experience in mass spectroscopy with atmospheric application demonstrated by international publications in peer-reviewed journals and experimental work.

Previous experience with the FIGAERO inlet and working with oxidation flow reactors is an advantage, where also previous experience on evaluation tools for large data evaluation/processing is meriting.

Spoken and written English

Employment

The employment is a time-limited position for 2 years on fulltime (100%) placed at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology. Starting October 1st, 2021.  

Contacts

If you have questions regarding the job assignments please contact 
Professor Mattias Hallquist
mattias.hallquist@gu.se
+4631-786 90 19

If you have questions regarding the employment process please contact
HR Officer Clara Wilow Sundh
clara.wilow.sundh@cmb.gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg:
http://www.gu.se/english/about_the_university/job-opportunities/union-representatives

How to apply

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application. The application shall include:

-Cover letter with an explanation of why you apply for the position
-CV including scientific publications
-Copy of exam certificate
-Two referees (name, telephone no, relation)

Closing date: July 1st, 2021.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.