Postdoc position
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Dynamics of molecule formation on ices: thermal or UV-induced?
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Applications (deadline January 20 2009) are invited for a 22 months
postdoc position for theoretical research on the dynamics of chemical
reactions on ice surfaces at the Leiden Institute of Chemistry and
Leiden Observatory of Leiden University, The Netherlands. The research
will be carried out in the framework of a collaboration between the
Theoretical Chemistry group (Prof. G.J. Kroes) and the Astrochemistry
group (Prof. E.F. van Dishoeck), with funding from the Netherlands
Organization for Scientific Research NWO on a TOP-project "The role of
excited electronic and vibrational states in chemical reactions on
surfaces". A description of the research is given below.
Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a brief statement of
research experience, and arrange for at least two letters of reference
to be sent to the address below. Selection of candidates will start on
January 20 2009 and will continue until the position is filled. The
position is open to all nationalities with a PhD in chemistry, physics
or astronomy. The starting date for the position is flexible up to
fall 2009. Please send applications to:
Prof. dr. E.F. van Dishoeck
Leiden Observatory
P.O. Box 9513
2300 RA Leiden
The Netherlands
FAX: +31-71-5275819
e-mail submission: [log in to unmask]
e-mail inquiries: [log in to unmask]
See http://www.theorchem.leidenuniv.nl/
http://www.strw.leidenuniv.nl/~ewine/
Project description
====================
In dense interstellar clouds where new stars and planets are formed,
small dust particles (consisting of ~0.1 micron silicates) are covered
by ice mantles consisting of H2O, CO, CO2, CH4 and other species, at a
temperature of about 10 K. Recent observations show that larger
molecules such as H2CO, CH3OH, and HCOOH may be present as well.
These molecules can either form by thermal hydrogenation and oxidation
reactions of smaller molecules such as CO, or by photon-induced
processes.
In this project, the above mentioned reactions are studied by
performing molecular dynamics simulations to "make" particles of
amorphous ice in the computer. Next, reactions on the surface of such
particles will be modelled using quantum transition state theory. In
addition, classical trajectory calculations will be performed to
obtain mechanistic insights into the most important pathways, and to
visualize these reactions. Subsequently, the effects of UV photons,
which can dissociate the H2O ice to form energetic OH and H, will be
considered. Reactions of energetic OH with CO is thought to be a
principle route to form CO2. The central goal of the project is to
determine which chemical reactions can occur on interstellar ices, and
to determine the dominant reaction mechanisms: thermal or UV. If time
permits, photodesorption processes of simple ices will be modelled as
well. Complementary laboratory experiments on these reactions are
being carried at the Sackler Laboratory at Leiden Observatory.
Term of appointment: 22 months
Required: PhD in Chemistry, Physics, or Astronomy, with an interest in
molecular dynamics. Experience with numerical methods and computer
programming is a prerequisite.
--
G.J.Kroes ([log in to unmask])
LIC
Gorlaeus Laboratoria
Universiteit Leiden
Postbus 9502
2300 RA Leiden
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 71 527 4396
Fax (new!): +31 71 527 4397
Web: http://rulgla.leidenuniv.nl
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