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**apologies for cross postings - thank you in advance for bringing these positions to the attention of potential and interested candidates**


Two Early Stage Researcher Positions are available in the Astrochemistry Group at Strathclyde University, with Dr  H J Fraser, as part of the Marie Curie ITN LASSIE (http://www.lassie-itn.eu)

1. Observational Astrochemistry (Fixed Term for 24 months)
 
This project, entitled: “Combined Gas-Ice Mapping on 1000 AU Scales of Star-Forming and Pre-Stellar Cores” will utilise our unique set of AKARI IR and JCMT / IRAM sub-mm observational data to produce maps of up to 28 star-forming and pre-stellar cores, showing the spatial abundance distribution of solid H2O CO and CO2, comparing this to the spatial distribution of gases in the same regions. The aim is to build a clear picture, commensurate with observational constraints, of the chemical networks that lead to the plethora of molecules observed in star-forming regions. You will have the opportunity to marry your observational work with experimental and theoretical work undertaken elsewhere in the network.
 
2. Theoretical Chemistry (Fixed-term for 36 months)
        24 Months based at Department of Physics, University of Strathclyde
        12 Months based at Department of Chemistry, University of Gothenburg
 
This project entitled: “Modelling the Physical and Chemical Behaviour of Amorphous Solid Water: an Interstellar Ice Analog” aims to build a clear picture on the molecular level, looking in particular at the role of hydrogen bonding in the physical and chemical behaviour of thin-films of ASW, to elucidate how they govern the chemical evolution of star-forming regions. During the first 12 months of the project you will be based at the University of Strathclyde, with Dr Helen Fraser, and will utilise an exiting molecular dynamics code, and apply state-of the art techniques to develop long time- and length- scale simulations of amorphous solid water (ASW) to look at the effects of temperature on the ASW structure and a process called pore collapse. The post will be based for the second 12 month period in Gothenburg, with Prof. Gunar Nyman and Dr Stefan Andersson where you will focus on using state of the chemical reactions dynamics calculations, alongside an existing photochemistry code, to study the chemical reactions that can result in ASW in interstellar space, whether induced by heating (and pore collapse) or by UV photons. The final 12 months will be based at Strathclyde, and will involve coupling the findings of the theoretical chemical calculations into astrochemical networks, according to our existing knowledge (from elsewhere in the network) of observational and laboratory determined constraints on the chemical processes in interstellar ices.
 
Candidates for these challenging and rewarding positions must have a Masters Degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Maths or a related Engineering field, obtained within the past four years, and demonstrate experience ( e.g. with a Masters research project) in at least one of the following areas: observational astronomy; chemical physics; physical chemistry; surface science; computational chemistry or theoretical astrochemistry and astrophysics. In addition at the time of appointment, applicants should meet the eligibility requirements of the Marie Curie Initial Training Network (see links below for full details).
 
The successful candidate must commence the appointment by 1st February 2011.
 
For an application pack and full details of both posts visit http://www.mis.strath.ac.uk/Personnel/open/r842010.htm (Observational Astrochemistry) http://www.mis.strath.ac.uk/Personnel/open/r852010.htm (Theoretical Astrochemistry) or contact Human Resources, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ. Tel. 0141 553 4133, quoting ref: JA/R85/2010 or JA/R84/2010.
 
Closing date: 14th December 2010
 
We value diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
 

______________________________________________________________________________

Dr. Helen Fraser
Lecturer,
Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA)
Department of Physics
University of Strathclyde
John Anderson Building
107 Rottenrow, Glasgow G4 0NG
Scotland

phone +44 141 548 3420
fax +44 141 552 2891

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