Post-doct on the detection of organic radicals in the atmosphere

Job description

We are seeking a highly-motivated candidate for a postdoctoral position on the detection of organic radicals (in particular organic peroxy, RO2) in Earth’s atmosphere using real-time Proton Transfer Mass Spectrometry (Ptr-MS), as part of the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Advanced project EPHEMERAL. Organic radicals are key reaction intermediates in many chemical systems, such as living organism, combustion and natural environments. In particular, they play key roles in the self-cleaning capacity of Earth’s Atmosphere. But they have never been detected individually. Detecting these radicals in the atmosphere is the ambitious objective of project EPHEMERAL. The position therefore involves handling, characterizing, and troubleshooting a state-of-the-art Time-of-flight proton transfer mass spectrometer (PTr-MS,) and using it both in laboratory and in outdoor campaigns. This position will be in the group of Prof. Nozière at the Department of Chemistry of KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. 

What we offer

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
• Work in Stockholm, in close proximity to nature
• Guidance on relocating and settling in KTH and in Sweden 
• A key position in a prestigious and highly-innovative project

Read more about what it's like to work at KTH and our benefits.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in Chemistry, Physics, or appropriate field. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• a solid experience with gas-phase flow systems and reactors
• some experience with standalone mass spectrometers (i.e. not connected to a chromatograph) such as chemical ionization mass spectrometers (preferably Proton Transfer Mass Spectrometry, Ptr-MS)
• excellent written and oral communication skills in English as this will be required in day-to-day work
• strong problem-solving skills
• proven research abilities (in experimental science)
• self-motivated, detail- and goal-oriented
• able to work both independently and cooperatively with a team

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Some knowledge of atmospheric chemistry or gas-phase kinetics is highly desirable
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

Applicants should submit

• a curriculum vitae
• a copy of their PhD diploma or equivalent, translated into English or Swedish if the original document is not in these languages
• list of publications
• a brief cover letter (max 2 pages) explaining your motivations for the position, scientific interests and future goals.

In addition, three letters of reference should be sent directly to Prof. Nozière.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.