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.
Your project will be centred around the understanding the non-CO2 emissions from aircraft engines from both large aircraft engines and smaller unregulated engines.
For the Laboratory of Atmospheric Chemistry we are looking for a
Your tasks
- You will lead and organize efforts for campaigns at an aircraft test bench and measurements at an airport
- You will characterize, operate and calibrate an online mass spectrometer equipped with an extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometer to measure both inorganic and organic components of the aerosol and quantify oil emissions
- You will characterize the volatile components of aircraft exhaust emissions with a proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometer
- You will understand the formation potential of secondary organic aerosol, and its composition using an extractive electrospray mass spectrometer and oxidative flow reactor
- You will maintain an aerosol mass spectrometer and be responsible for aerosol instrumentation during campaigns to measure aircraft emissions
- Your work will involve collaborative experiments with various collaborators, including international partners
Your profile
- PhD degree in Physical Chemistry, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences or a related field
- Ability to produce data under supervision and capability of critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas
- Familiarity with mass spectrometry and atmospheric chemistry
- Ability to communicate the outcome of your research
- Good interpersonal skills, team player
- Good knowledge of English (written and spoken)
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.
Your employment contract is limited to 2 years, with the possibility of extension depending on project development and funding.
For further information, please contact Dr David M. Bell, e-mail david.bell@psi.ch.
Please submit your application online by 5 August 2026 (including addresses of referees) for the position as a Postdoctoral Fellow (Index-Nr. 5504-28440).
Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Mariusz Prus, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland