The Reaction Dynamics Group, Department of Chemistry & W.M. Keck Research Laboratory in Astrochemistry, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, invites applications for one postdoctoral position. The appointment period is initially for one year, but can be renewed annually based on availability of funds and satisfactory progress as defined by first author publications. The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Successful applicants should have a strong background in experimental reaction dynamics and pulsed (tunable) laser systems. Experience in labview, programming, and/or Autocad/SolidWorks is desirable. The objective is i) to commission an ultrasonic levitation device capable of preparing, levitating, and spectroscopically characterizing low-temperature super-cooled ethane droplets doped with hydrocarbons and nitriles in a Titan-analog atmosphere and ii) to explore the photochemically-induced formation of complex organic molecules in these droplets by exposing droplets to ultraviolet (UV) photons (200–400 nm). This project presents an exceptionally well-timed interdisciplinary opportunity to deliver fundamental knowledge, which is of key relevance for the future Dragonfly mission to Titan.
Solid communication skills in English (written, oral), a publication record in internationally circulated, peer-reviewed journals, and independent working skills are mandatory. Please send a letter of interest, three letters of recommendation, CV, and publication list to Prof. Ralf I. Kaiser, Department of Chemistry, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822-2275, USA [ralfk@hawaii.edu]. Applicants must demonstrate their capability to prepare manuscripts for publications independently. The review of applications will start February 1, 2022, and continues until the position is filled. A description of our current research group can be found at https://www.uhmreactiondynamics.org/. Only complete applications will be reviewed.
GEFAM 