Researcher in Molecular cluster Phyiscs - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

The Division of Synchrotron Radiation Research at the Department of Physics is in a dynamic phase, exploring new research directions at the MAX IV laboratory. Extreme Atmospheric Chemistry is one of them and concerns the study of molecular clusters using ionizing radiation in the eXtreme UltraViolet (XUV) and soft X-ray regimes. In this case, molecular clusters are employed as model systems to follow the change in the chemical reactivity of molecules once they have aggregated to form ultra-fine aerosols, with a size of nanometre size or smaller. These chemical reactions, which cannot be studied comprehensively in liquids or solids, are generally poorly understood. However, they can explain the formation of molecules in planetary atmosphere.

The project aims to develop a fundamental understanding of inter- and intra- molecular reactions in molecular clusters using three-dimensional momentum imaging mass spectrometer and coincidence technique.

Work duties

The work of this position consists in analysing experimental data that have been acquired at the MAX IV using an electron and ion 3D momentum imaging spectrometer. This data taken in coincidence technique can inform on the interplay between the electron and nuclear dynamics that drive chemical reactions. Furthermore, the work includes the supervision of PhD student to commission an apparatus, which will be used to control the production of molecular clusters in wet environment (micro-solvated molecules).

The tasks included in the position are:

• The analysis of measurement data from previous experiments using MatLab. This includes programming to handle large data sets and working with theorists to underpin the underlying processes.
• Summarising the analysis in scientific papers for publication in scientific journals.
• Preparation and implementation of off-line end-station to beamlines at MAX IV or at the French synchrotron light facility SOLEIL.
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Possibly seeking external research funding.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must have:

• A PhD or equivalent research qualification within the subject of the position at the time of the employment.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Solid experience in synchrotron-based molecular and cluster experiments.
• Extensive and solid experience in working with three-dimensional momentum imaging mass spectrometer and coincidence technique.
• Experience of working with theoreticians in the field of density functional theory (DFT) and/or molecular dynamics (MD).

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

• Extensive and solid experience in the analysis of large data sets.
• Extensive and solid experience in programming in Matlab

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the division, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment

Fixed-term employment, from 2023-07-1 to 2024-06-25.

Full time.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, or other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.