Apologies for cross postings  Richard Tuckett
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Postdoctoral Research Assistant
On-line Ultra Trace Gas Analysis using Proton Transfer Reaction Mass and
Electron Swarm Spectrometers

Molecular Physics Group, Schools of Physics and Chemistry, University of
Birmingham, UK
Supervisors :  Drs C A Mayhew and R P Tuckett

A PDRA is available in the Molecular Physics Group at the University of
Birmingham to work on a 3-year project investigating electron attachment
and ion-molecule reactions, addressing fundamental questions and the
applied area of trace gas detection.  The position involves the use of and
development of a selected ion flow tube (1), a proton transfer reaction
mass spectrometer (2), and an electron swarm mass spectrometer (3).  The
position (up to point 9 on the national pay scale depending on age and
experience) is jointly funded by the MoD and EPSRC, and can be taken up
until 1st March 2004.  Appointment will be for 1 year in the first
instance, with an extension for a further two years subject to mutual
agreement.

An ever-increasing need exists for high levels of sensitivity (ppbv - pptv)
and chemical specificity to detect trace compounds in highly complex
samples in real time.  Examples include environmental science (e.g. waste
management and pollution monitoring), defence (detection of explosives and
chemical warfare agents), health and safety (e.g. monitoring factory air),
and in the food processing area (e.g. monitoring food freshness).  In
meeting this need, some of the most promising approaches that have been
developed are based on proton transfer to trace compounds by gas-phase
ion-molecule reactions, or on the negative ionisation of a compound by
gas-phase electron attachment.  The overall success and general
applicability of these approaches have been limited by a lack of data on
and an inadequate understanding of the elementary processes involved.
Thus, instruments used for trace gas detection are not being exploited to
their full potential.

The aim of this project is to use our novel instruments to investigate
thermal electron attachment to and ion reactions with trace gases.   Thus,
data will be obtained on the reaction and attachment rate coefficients and
product ions for the various processes so that trace gases can be
identified and concentrations in a particular environment readily
quantified.   Furthermore, we wish to explore the development of our
apparatus for in-situ measurements of trace gases.

For further information, please send cv and the names of two referees by
September 30, 2003 to :
Chris Mayhew                             or             Richard Tuckett
[log in to unmask]                             [log in to unmask]
(T)  +44 (0)121 414 6467                        (T)  +44 (0)121 414 4425

(1)     C. Atterbury, A.D.J. Critchley, R.A. Kennedy, C.A. Mayhew and R.P.
Tuckett,
        Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., (2002) 4, 2206-2223
(2)     W. Lindinger, A. Hansel, and A. Jordan,
        Int. J. Mass Spectrom. and Ion Processes, (1998) 173, 191-241
(3)     G.K. Jarvis, R.A. Kennedy and C.A. Mayhew,
        Int. J. Mass Spec. (2001) 205, 253-270.

September 1, 2003
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Dr Richard P. Tuckett,
Reader in Chemical Physics and PostGraduate Tutor,
School of Chemical Sciences,  University of Birmingham,
Edgbaston,  Birmingham  B15 2TT,  UK
Tel :  0121.414.4425 (.4423 secretary, .4416 postgraduate matters)
 Fax :  0121.414.4426
email :  [log in to unmask]
web :  http://www.chem.bham.ac.uk/staff/tuckett.htm