Research and graduate eduaction at the Department of chemistry and molecular biology comprises a wide scientific field from the atomic and molecular levels all the way through cells to intact organisms. Much of the phenomena studied here impact on our natural environment and living systems. We participate in undergraduate programs in chemistry, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, biology, marine sciences, and pharmacy.

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.

Subject area

Atmospheric Chemistry

Specific subject description

The aim of this project is to quantify, understand and provide tools to predict the human influences on secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. 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 (HRToF-CIMS) http://www.atmos-meas-tech-discuss.net/6/9347/2013/amtd-6-9347-2013.html in combination with inlets separating particle and gas phase for characterization of organic compositions.

Job assignments

To do research within the field of SOA using a high-resolution time-of-flight chemical-ionization mass spectrometer (HRToF-CIMS). The research tasks are associated with ongoing projects within the group and can include laboratory studies on SOA formation but also field measurements of anthropogenic sources of SOA.

Eligibility

The qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

To qualify as a postdoctoral fellow you must have completed a PhD in a subject area relevant for the position or you must have a foreign degree corresponding to a PhD in a subject area relevant for the position. Preference will be given to candidates who have been awarded the degree no more than three years before the application deadline. Applicants with a degree awarded earlier may also be preferred if specific reasons exist. Such specific reasons may be a leave due to illness, parental leave or other similar circumstances.

A requirement is experience in SOA and mass spectroscopy demonstrated by international publications in peer-reviewed journals and experimental work.
Preferences will be given to candidates that have experience in working with a high-resolution time-of-flight chemical-ionization mass spectrometer (HRToF-CIMS).

Assessment

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Experience in working with a high-resolution time-of-flight chemical-ionization mass spectrometer (HRToF-CIMS) with applications on atmospheric science.

For further information please contact

Mattias Hallquist, Professor
031-7869019
hallq@chem.gu.se

Per Sunnerhagen, Head of Department
031-7863830
per.sunnerhagen@cmb.gu.se