Dear Colleagues,
we have currently a vacancy for a 4-year PhD position in Molecular Astrophysics at the FELIX Laboratory (Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands).
I would be grateful if you could bring this advertisement to the attention of suitable candidates.
With best regards,
Sandra Bruenken
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Project description:
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« Vibrational signatures of reactive intermediates in interstellar chemistry »
Molecular ions are important drivers of the chemistry in astrophysical environments and are also of fundamental interest in quantum chemistry. However, due to their reactive nature, they are difficult to study with standard spectroscopic methods. In our group we are developing sensitive action spectroscopic techniques to overcome these obstacles, and apply them to astrophysically relevant molecular ions, providing the spectral fingerprints needed to detect new species in space.
The focus of the PhD project is to measure vibrational signatures of a targeted set of reactive hydrocarbon and nitrile cations. You will develop, prepare and perform spectroscopic experiments using a unique combination of a state-of-the-art cryogenic ion trap instrument interfaced to the widely tunable IR free electron lasers of the FELIX Laboratory. The spectroscopic studies will be guided and interpreted by high-level quantum-chemical calculations. You will also be involved in developing and improving the experimental setup to enable kinetic studies on ion-molecule reactions in tandem with spectroscopic probing of the reaction products.
Requirements:
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• We are looking for a highly motivated candidate holding (or expecting to receive) a Master’s degree or equivalent in (Astro-/) Physics, Chemistry or a related field.
• Experience with experimental work, in particular in the fields of gas phase laser spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy under ultra-high vacuum conditions is highly desirable.
• The ability to work both independently and within a team is a key asset.
• The working language is English.
• Willingness to (occasionally) work outside office hours.
Work environment:
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As a PhD candidate, you will be embedded at the FELIX Laboratory (http://www.ru.nl/felix/) at Radboud University (Nijmegen, The Netherlands) working with Dr. Sandra Brünken in the research line in molecular astrophysics and cold ion spectroscopy. The FELIX Laboratory is an international user facility operating intense, short-pulsed infrared and THz free electron lasers for research of matter, providing a tuning range between 3 and 1500 μm. In user experiments the infrared radiation of the FELIX lasers interacts with molecules and materials, revealing detailed information about 3D structure, functional properties and electronic properties.
Moreover, the FELIX Laboratory is a large research infrastructure and welcomes external users from all over the world to perform research projects with FELIX. As a PhD student, you will also assist external users and participate in collaborative projects at the cryogenic ion trap user station. The FELIX Laboratory is a part of the Faculty of Science at the Radboud University.
More information and Application:
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The deadline for application is January 14, 2018; the start date of the PhD contract can be as early as March 2018.
Information on the employment conditions, application procedure and required documents can be found here:
http://www.ru.nl/imm/about_imm/vacancies-0/openings-phd-candidates-institute-molecules/
Further details on the PhD project and working environment is available here:
http://www.ru.nl/publish/pages/869701/62_83_17_1_2_phd_vibrational_signatures_of_reactive_intermediates_in_interstellar_chemistry.pdf
For more information, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Sandra Brünken: [log in to unmask]
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Dr. Sandra Brünken
FELIX Laboratory - Faculty of Science - Radboud University
Toernooiveld 7c - 6525ED Nijmegen - The Netherlands
+31 (0)24 365 3944 - [log in to unmask]
www.ru.nl/felix
www.bruenken.de
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