Please see the below PhD opportunity:
PhD Position in Atmospheric Physical Chemistry
Keen to explore cutting-edge laboratory experiments and sharpen your experimental skills? We're looking for applications for a PhD position in physical chemistry of the atmosphere. This SNF-funded project tackles ammonia acid–base chemistry, hydrogen bonding, and solvation at ice–air and water–air interfaces, motivated by snow and ice's recognised role in Earth's geochemical cycling and lingering gaps in our understanding of ammonia chemistry in the cryosphere and upper troposphere.
Your research will examine the mechanisms of ammonia (NH₃) adsorption and proton transfer on ice, accounting for the effects of acidic co-adsorbents (CO₂, HONO, HNO₃), mineral oxides, and reactive trace gases (NO₂, SO₂, O₃). A key aim is to investigate molecular-level differences between air–water and air–ice interfaces. Our group at PSI has developed Near Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoemission and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy to study acidic trace gas adsorption on ice. You'll have the chance to design and conduct experiments using coated wall flow-tube reactors and X-ray excited electron spectroscopy at PSI, and to collaborate internationally on sum-frequency generation spectroscopy with Boise State University.
What we're looking for
* Brilliant, creative, and motivated—no worries if your previous research hasn't focused on interfaces, ammonia, snow, or atmospheric science.
* Master's degree in physical chemistry, chemical physics, or a related discipline.
* A talented experimentalist.
* Genuine curiosity about molecular-level interfacial processes and enthusiasm for developing predictive understanding.
* Strong communicator in English, capable of presenting results in high-impact journals and at international conferences.
* Experience in low-temperature experiments, spectroscopic methods, and programming for data analysis is a bonus.
Get in touch
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Dr Floor van den Heuvel
Cloud Physicist
CloudSense Science Coordinator
Member-at-large UK Polar Network
Atmosphere, Ice and Climate team
British Antarctic Survey
High Cross, Madingly Road,
Cambridge CB3 0ET
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