A PhD position is available in the group of Prof. Knut Asmis
(https://woi.chemie.uni-leipzig.de/start/ak-prof-asmis/) at the University Leipzig, Germany.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in a modern particle spectroscopy lab as part of the DFG-funded project «Spectroscopic Characterization of Salt Dissolution in Microhydrated Cluster Ions and at the Water / Vapor Interface».
Our understanding of salt dissolution in aqueous media and at their interfaces remains far from complete. Processes occurring at marine aerosol surfaces, for example, have a major impact on atmospheric chemistry, but their surface speciation is challenging to probe experimentally and to predict reliably using computational models.
Spectroscopic studies on model systems provide crucial molecular level insight into specific properties of the water/vapor interface. Within the project you will study how atmospherically-relevant ions are hydrated at aqueous surfaces in dependence of the salt concentration, the nature of the counter ion, the acidity and the presence of organic surfactants. You will measure concentration depth profiles at the water/vapor interface of binary and ternary aqueous salt solutions using Neutral Impact Collision Ion Scattering Spectroscopy from which interfacial thermodynamic properties can be determined. These experiments are ultimately aimed at shedding new light on the molecular level structure of the water/vapor interface and its implications for atmospherically-relevant processes.
Requirements:
Applicants should hold an excellent university degree (Master of Science or equivalent) in physics or chemistry. Previous experience in the field of vacuum technology and application of particle spectroscopic methods on liquid interfaces is required. Experience in programming is favorable.
Applications should contain a CV and publication list (if any), a letter of motivation (1-2 page letter of interest which should include why you are interested in the project, your expectations for your Ph.D. studies and what makes you qualified for the position), transcripts from your B.Sc. and M.Sc. studies, and contact information of two persons willing to provide a letter of support. Please send this material to knut.asmis@uni-leipzig.de
GEFAM 