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 August 2025 or later.
Title: Cloud interfacial chemistry probed by ultrafast surface spectroscopy
Research area and project description:
Aerosol particles play a central role in the formation of clouds in the atmosphere. Particles are emitted from a variety of sources or formed in the atmosphere via photochemical reactions. During their atmospheric lifetime aerosol particles undergo “ageing”; chemical reactions and processes that change particle properties and their ability to act as nuclei for cloud formation.
In this project the PhD student we will use the state-of-the-art laser spectroscopy to follow chemical aerosol and water droplet formation and ageing in different environments under a wide range of conditions of relative humidity and temperature and map the interfacial processes. We will investigate how water molecules and particles interact to form clouds. The experiments will be complemented with molecular modelling within collaborating groups.
State of the art instrumentation will be used: The aerosol and particle interfaces will be probed by ultrafast laser spectroscopy such as sum frequency generation (SFG) scattering spectroscopy and 2D infrared spectroscopy.
The PhD project will be carried out within the newly established Center of Excellence: Center for Chemistry of Clouds (C3) in a dynamic and ambitious research environment using excellent experimental facilities for physical and atmospheric chemistry. Tobias Weidner will be the main supervisor.
The Ph.D. project involves collaboration with other students and post docs within C3 as well as international partners, providing the opportunity for international travel within the research project.
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, Engineering, Nanoscience or similar. Prior experience with laser instrumentation is an advantage as is knowledge and experience within aerosols and atmospheric chemistry and physics.
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 Department of Chemistry
Langelandsgade 140, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Associate Professor Tobias Weidner, weidner@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 March 2025)
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.
