Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Chemistry programme. The position is available from May 2025 or later.
Title:
Atmospheric aerosols and clouds: probing aerosol-water interactions
Research area and project description:
Atmospheric aerosols are nano-to micro-meter sized particles suspended in air and are key drivers for atmospheric chemistry, air pollution and climate. They are directly emitted to the atmosphere as particles from a variety of sources or formed within the atmosphere from oxidation and photochemical reactions. In the atmosphere, depending on their chemical and physical properties, these particles interact with the surrounding air and take up water vapor, or provide surfaces for the formation of clouds, which are the most critical factor in controlling Earth’s energy budget and hence climate.
Establishing a fundamental understanding of these processes is an important and exciting challenge in atmospheric chemistry and physics/sciences. In particular, how aerosols take up water and act as nuclei for clouds, termed aerosol-cloud interactions, constitutes/remain the largest uncertainty in predictions of global climate.
We are looking for a curious and driven student to join our team and study how different types of aerosols take up water and act as nuclei for clouds within the framework of a PhD project.
This experimental PhD project will be centred around an atmospheric simulation chamber (AURA), where atmospheric aerosol formation can be simulated. Chamber experiments will be coupled with a range of state-of-the art instrumentation to probe aerosol water uptake with a hygroscopic tandem differential mobility analyzer. In addition, the ability of the aerosol particles to form clouds will be studied using a cloud condensation nucleus counter and a cold stage. Experimental work will be complemented by thermodynamic and kinetic modelling and benefit from ongoing collaboration with analytical chemists, quantum chemists and surface spectroscopists.
The student will be based in the research group on Atmospheric Physical Chemistry and the project will be carried out within the DNRF excellence Center for Chemistry of Clouds (C3). C3 provides a dynamic, collaborative and interdisciplinary environment to carry out the envisioned research, using leading experimental facilities for physical and atmospheric chemistry. Professor Merete Bilde will be the main supervisor. Assist. Prof. Fabian Mahrt will be the co-supervisor.
The PhD project involves collaboration with national and international partners, and some travelling should be expected.
For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When - as here - you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.
Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants to the PhD position must have a recent Master’s degree or a Bachelor´s degree and one year of Master´s studies within Chemistry, Physics, Atmospheric Science, Nanoscience, Engineering or similar.
The successful candidate has demonstrated excellent academic results. Prior experience with aerosol instrumentation as well as knowledge and experience within aerosol and atmospheric science is an advantage. The candidate must have good collaboration skills and at the same time be able to take responsibility and work independently.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Aarhus University, Department of Chemistry, Langelandsgade 140, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Professor, Merete Bilde, bilde@chem.au.dk Assistant Professor Fabian Mahrt, mahrt@chem.au.dk
How to apply:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 December 2024)
Please note:
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.
