The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.
For our projects related to atmospheric multiphase chemistry we are looking for a
Your tasks
Multiphase chemistry and photochemistry is an important asset of the evolution of aerosol particles (PM) in the atmosphere. Chemical Aging of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) is affecting their impacts on air quality, human health and climate. Embedded in an interdisciplinary and collaborative project, you will use experiments at PSI’s smog chamber facilities, coupled to state of the start mass spectrometry, and X-ray based spectro-microscopy at the Swiss Light Source (SLS) at PSI, to obtain insight into the role of transition metals in the dark and photochemical aging of secondary organic aerosols from different precursors. The experimental work will be complemented by employing explicit multilayer modelling of particle phase chemistry in collaboration with external partners, to support data analysis and constrain kinetic parameters to allow providing lumped mechanisms to the modelling community. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled at ETH Zürich.
Your profile
You should have a master’s degree or equivalent in physical, environmental chemistry or material science. You should bring interest in molecular scale processes of the atmosphere. You should be motivated to work in an interdisciplinary and international team.
We offer
Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr Markus Ammann, phone +41 56 310 40 49.
Please submit your application online by 20 October 2024 (including addresses of referees) for the position as a PhD Student (index no. 5505-01).
Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Mariusz Prus, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland