Postdoc in atmospheric chemistry

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology conducts high-quality research and education in chemical sciences and molecular life sciences. Our research and education focuses on a deep understanding of chemical and biological processes in cells and in the environment.

We address important societal issues such as antibiotic resistance, cancer, brain diseases, environmental problems and climate change. In this way, we contribute to achieving the UN's global goals for sustainable development in the areas of good health and well-being, sustainable energy for all, sustainable cities and communities, and combating climate change.

The department is an international environment with interdisciplinary collaborations in both research and education, and contributes strongly to the University of Gothenburg's top ranking in atmospheric science.

The department is responsible for postgraduate education in the subject area Natural Sciences with a focus on chemistry, biophysics, biology and educational science. In addition, the department hosts educational programs in molecular biology, genomics and systems biology, chemistry, organic chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry, as well as prescription education. The department collaborates with various societal actors such as schools, business and authorities. The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology has around 200 employees. We are located in central premises on Campus Medicinareberget in Gothenburg. 

Our atmospheric science constellation is unique in Sweden in that it takes a molecular approach to transport and reaction processes in the atmosphere. A unifying focus is the study of aerosols, with activities ranging from fundamental studies of chemical reactions on molecular level, to applied work including field studies of atmospheric processes, their importance to current climate and air quality research. The research contributes to developments in the fields of colloidal chemistry, nanotechnology, medicine as well as development of traffic related chemistry and sustainable development in developing countries.

More details on our research can be found at https://www.gu.se/en/chemistry-molecular-biology/our-research/atmospheric-science 

Duties 

Research in atmospheric chemistry using high resolution mass spectrometry with chemical ionization. The overall aim of this project is to quantify, understand and provide tools to describe atmospheric oxidation of organic compounds. With a specific focus on oxidation of marine organic compounds the project includes observations in coastal urban areas (i.e. design of a new urban flux tower) and in the open sea (international expedition in the Atlantic ocean). These observations will in combination with advanced mechanistic laboratory studies deepen our understanding of oxidation of organic compounds and their potential formation of secondary organic aerosol.

The work is done in cooperation with researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich and University of Manchester. The experiments will primarily be conducted using our high-resolution time-of-flight chemical-ionization mass spectrometer but can also take benefit of the new explorative platform utilising on-line mass spectrometers within ACTRIS-Sweden. In addition to work in Sweden, one is expected to participate in our international collaboration projects and might during limited time be relocated abroad (ca weeks to a month).

The work may also include competence development within teaching. 

Qualifications 

Requirements for the position:

Eligible to be employed as a postdoctoral fellow is someone who has a Swedish doctorate or has a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctorate. In the first instance, the candidate should come into question that has completed the degree no more than three years before the end of the application period and has not previously been employed as a postdoctoral fellow for more than one year in the same or related subject areas at the University of Gothenburg. Even those who have completed the degree previously can be considered if there are special reasons (e.g. leave due to illness, service in the military, positions of trust in trade unions and student organizations, or parental leave or other similar circumstances).

Documented experience (scientific publications) of research projects within atmospheric chemistry with applications of mass spectrometry using chemical ionization.

Meritorious for the position:

Previous practical experience of working with the FIGAERO inlet for chemical characterization of compounds in the particle phase.

Previous experience with evaluation tools for managing and evaluating large data sets.

Oral and written competence in the English language.

Employment 

Fixed term during two years full time (100%) at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology.

Contact information for the post 

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Mattias Hallquist, professor, +46 31-7869019, hallq@chem.gu.se

Unions 

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande 

Application 

To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. 

The application must include:

• Cover letter with an explanation of why you apply for the position
• CV including scientific publications
• Copy of exam certificate
• Two referees (name, telephone no, relation)

Applications must be received by: 2024-08-05

 

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.