Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

PhD position on kinetic isotope effect in atmospheric VOC oxidation

Within the Helmholtz graduate school HITEC we are calling for applications for the following PhD project:

On the temperature dependence of the kinetic isotope effect

Stable carbon isotopic analyses, complementary to concentration measurements, are effective tools for characterizing the sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and understanding the processes governing their distribution in the atmosphere. The average physical age of an individual VOC in the atmosphere can be determined from the observed isotopic composition, when the source isotopic composition of the VOC and the kinetic isotope effect (KIE) of oxidation reactions involved in the atmospheric VOC degradation are known. A recent pilot study showed that below 273K KIE increases. Applying temperature dependent KIE has significant impacts on the interpretation of ambient observations.

In this project the KIE will be investigated as function of temperature. To this end the successful candidate will plan and conduct experiments of VOC oxidation, apply isotope mass spectrometry and interpret results with the help of chemical models. Laboratory findings will be complemented by measurements in the atmosphere. The results of this project will contribute to advance process understanding in atmospheric chemistry. The use of stable isotopes for process understanding in atmospheric research is a highly innovative field.

Requirements: Master degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, or Atmospheric Science; Very good experimental skills; experience in physical chemistry and/or isotope mass spectrometry are helpful

For further information see:

http://www.fz-juelich.de/portal/DE/Leistungen/WissenWeitergeben/hitec/ausschreibungen.html
Or contact: PD Dr. Astrid Kiendler-Scharr A.kiendler-scharr@fz-juelich.de
Please submit your electronic application to: B.koester@fz-juelich.de