 |
 |
The Molecular Spectrometry and Dynamics group at the University of Provence (Marseille, France) is seeking outstanding candidates for a Ph.D. position in the field of astrochemistry.
This interdisciplinary project
aims at
studying in laboratory the formation and the destruction of
interstellar
organic molecules on ice mantles. An interstellar
grain (made of
water, methanol, ammonia forming a “dirty” ice mantle surrounding a
silicate
core) will be simulated in laboratory and put under VUV radiations
simulating a
stellar flux. The reaction mechanisms driving its photochemical
evolution will
be studied using IR spectroscopy. This laboratory work will be used to
propose
astronomical detection of the resulting photoproducts, complex organic
molecules up to amino-acids, in molecular hot cores, molecular clouds
and
comets. The role played by silicate surfaces onto the reactivity of
ices will
also be investigated to assess the importance of grain surface
reactions in the
chemical evolution of the interstellar medium.
The candidate should have excellent degrees in chemistry, chemical physics or in physics, with an interest in astrochemistry. Acquaintance with infrared spectroscopy is desired. We expect both the capability of independent research as well as teamwork spirit during the experiments and a strong motivation to learn new experimental techniques.
The duration of the contract is 3 years and the net salary is approximately 13,000 euros a year.
Information on activities and publications of the group may be found at: http://www.up.univ-mrs.fr/wpiim/themes/sdm/mis.htm
Applications with complete resumes including a motivating cover letter stating the current (and future) research interests and the names and contact information of two references should be sent as soon as possible to either Dr. Thierry Chiavassa ( [log in to unmask] ) or Dr. Patrice Theulé ( [log in to unmask] ). The application deadline is June 20th 2006.
-- ******************************************************** Patrice Theulé Maître de Conférence Université de Provence, Marseille France Laboratoire de Physique des Interactions Ioniques et Moléculaires Centre Saint-Jérôme case 242 tél: + 33 4 91 28 27 05 fax: + 33 4 91 63 65 10 e-mail: [log in to unmask] *********************************************************To join or leave the molecular-dynamics-news email list, go to: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/molecular-dynamics-news.html