Iodine species in the atmosphere are linked to ozone depletion and new particle formation. Due to the mainly biogenic sources of iodine (released by micro- and macroalgae) both processes are prone to potential feedbacks between halogen release, anthropogenic perturbations and climate. Recent satellite measurements support the local and potentially even global significance of iodine species for tropospheric chemistry, especially in and around the Antarctic continent as well as in biologically active tropical regions. However, several components of the natural biogeochemical cycles of iodine are still poorly understood. One area of uncertainty is the release mechanisms of halogens from the oceans (the major halogen reservoir). The direct release of volatile organoiodine compounds from marine biota (macro and microalgae) is only partly investigated and understood. Very recently also inorganic production pathways for these compounds have been observed. In addition, the contribution of naturally released iodine species to the atmospheric aerosol burden is not well characterized. To get an improved process understanding the development of sophisticated trace analytical techniques is a necessary prerequisite. Therefore, the goal of the PhD-thesis is the development of the sophisticated mass spectrometric techniques and their application in interdisciplinary projects with marine biologists and atmospheric chemists in the laboratory as well as in field experiments.

Depending on qualification of the applicant the salary can be up to 1468 EUR per month. Applications (curriculum vitae, diploma or equivalent academic degree, possibly references) should be sent to: Prof. Dr. Th. Hoffmann, Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128 Mainz. (mainz9061@earthworks-jobs.com)

For further information, please contact Prof. Thorsten Hoffmann (mainz9061@earthworks-jobs.com)