Skip to main content

This job has expired

Research Fellow in Physical Chemistry

Employer
University of Leeds
Location
Leeds, United Kingdom
Salary
£33,797 to £40,322 p.a.
Closing date
Jun 7, 2021
Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge?

Do you have a background or interest in experimental physical chemistry or astrochemistry?

Do you want to further your career in one of the UKs leading research intensive Universities?

We are looking for an exceptional researcher to work on the HILTRAC project (Highly Instrumented Low Temperature Reaction Chamber) which was recently funded by the European Research Council (ERC).

The HILTRAC project will develop a new UK capability for measuring chemical reaction rate coefficients at low temperatures, ranging from 30 K to 250 K, using a highly instrumented approach. A combination of laser induced fluorescence, infrared frequency comb spectroscopy, and time-of-flight mass spectrometry will be used to monitor chemical reactions occurring in a uniform supersonic flow, achieved using a pulsed Laval nozzle. In addition to measuring the temperature dependence of reaction rate coefficients, spectroscopic information on reactants, possible intermediates, and products will be determined from infrared frequency comb spectroscopy. The HILTRAC apparatus will be capable of lending significant insight into reactions occurring in areas of the interstellar medium. Several targeted chemical reactions will be studied, all of which fall under the broad umbrella of organosulfur reactions.

You will be an integral part of the team as we build and commission this exciting new apparatus. You will help to design and build aspects of the laser instrumentation, such as the laser-induced fluorescence detection and/or the frequency comb spectrometer. You will also help to build and characterize the pulsed Laval nozzle. You will perform highly targeted reactions to showcase the breadth of capabilities and sensitivity of the new apparatus, marking its successful commissioning. Following its commissioning, you will use the HILTRAC apparatus to study selected organosulfur reactions relevant to areas of the interstellar medium. Since there are few groups in the world that use pulsed Laval systems, you will have the opportunity to work on an existing pulsed Laval apparatus prior to transitioning your acquired skills to the new apparatus.

You will also have opportunities for training in science and people management, science communication, and grant application writing, with the aim to develop a personal, independent career track.

You will have a PhD (or close to completion) in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Atmospheric Science or a closely allied discipline, and a strong background in laboratory studies of gas phase processes and laser spectroscopy. You may also have experience with de Laval nozzles or in molecular beam methods. The planned start date for this post is 1st August 2021. Anyone wishing to discuss a later or earlier alternative start date before applying should contact J.Lehman@leeds.ac.uk .

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Julia Lehman , Associate Professor

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 4260

Email: J.Lehman@leeds.ac.uk

Dwayne Heard , Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 6471

Email: D.E.Heard@leeds.ac.uk

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert