Researcher 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 group has the main responsibility for an exploratory measurement platform within the ACTRIS-SWEDEN infrastructure. In order to make available and develop use of the infrastructure, part of the group's research is linked to the use of data from high-resolution mass spectrometry with chemical ionization. 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 chemical ionization mass spectrometry. The research project aims to understand the role of temperature on peroxy (RO2) and alkoxy (RO) radical chemistry and distribution of subsequent products under specified chemical regimes crucial to improving the mechanistic understanding of SOA formation. The project's specific goals will be achieved by using recently developed experimental methods in combination with a new infrastructure for the study of atmospheric chemistry over a wide temperature range (-30 to +25 ℃). Understanding temperature impacts will enable a deeper understanding of critical steps in atmospheric transformation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that influence SOA formation and provide necessary description in air quality and climate models.

The work involves experimental work at our climate chamber with our FIGAERO-CIMS. The chamber must be tested and working methods must be developed. It also involves the design of a photolysis chamber to be placed inside the larger chamber. 

Qualifications 

Requirements for the position are: 

• Doctoral degree/foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate. This eligibility requirement must be fulfilled at the latest by the time the employment contract is signed.
• Documented experience (scientific publications) of research projects in atmospheric chemistry with applications of chemical ionization mass spectrometry.
• Documented experience (scientific publication) of research projects in atmospheric chemistry where temperature dependence has been studied using a reaction chamber.

Meritorious for the position are: 

• 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 is advantageous.
• Oral and written competence in the English language

Employment 

Fixed term during one year 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, 031-7869019, 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: 2024-10-09 

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.