POST-DOCTORAL POSITION AT SRI INTERNATIONAL
COLLISIONAL ENERGY TRANSFER IN SMALL ATMOSPHERIC MOLECULES
The Physics and Atmospheric Chemistry (PAC) Unit of the Molecular Physics
Laboratory (MPL) is searching for well-qualified candidates for a
post-doctoral position in experimental physical chemistry. The work
involves collision energy transfer studies of excited states of molecular
oxygen and nitric oxide, typically by means of pump-and-probe ionization
techniques, under the supervision of Dr. Richard Copeland and Dr. Tom
Slanger. These studies are directed towards an improved understanding of
upper atmospheric processes. In recent years, the collisional energy
transfer rates and pathways of all the oxygen electronic states lying below
the first dissociation limit have been studied, even including the quintet
state that had long been hypothesized as a possible atmospheric precursor.
Nitric oxide is an important trace gas in the upper atmospheres of both the
terrestrial and Venusian atmospheres, and its two metastables are to be
investigated as part of a program to study auroral processes. These
investigations connect to field observations, as we are learning to take
advantage of the fact that large telescopes around the world routinely
generate spectra of the terrestrial night airglow that are far better in
terms of resolution, sensitivity, and spectral coverage than has previously
been available.
SRI International is a not-for-profit contract research organization,
located in Menlo Park, California, in the San Francisco Bay region, and is
one of the largest such establishments in the world. Many areas of
research are represented by the investigations carried out at SRI,
including chemistry, physics, engineering, life sciences, computer
sciences, education, and a variety of other disciplines. MPL has an
international reputation for creative and innovative research in
atmospheric studies, combustion processes, surface science, plasma
research, and molecular beam research. Within MPL, the members of the PAC
unit have been active for many years in studying the chemistry and physics
of the atmosphere, with Drs. Copeland and Slanger's emphasis on the
processes that occur in the 80-120 km night airglow region. There has
been close coupling between the laboratory kinetics studies that this group
carries out, and the results of optical emission studies by field observers.
We expect the candidate to have experience in the operation and maintenance
of pulsed laser systems. Other qualifications include a Ph.D. degree in
chemistry or physics, and beyond laboratory abilities, effective technical
writing is an important attribute for the position, as well as an ability
to make oral presentations. Appointment is typically for a minimum of one
year, with a second year normally being available upon mutual agreement.
The salary will depend on the experience of the candidate.
A resumé, three letters of recommendation, and a one page "research
interests" summary should be sent to:
Dr. Richard A. Copeland, PS091
Molecular Physics Laboratory
SRI International
Menlo Park, California 94025
Telephone: (650) 859-6534
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