Post-doctoral position(s) (M/F) - Investigating the spontaneous formation of oxidants at the air/water/ice interface

  • Villeurbanne, Rhône
  • CDD
  • Temps-plein
  • Il y a 13 jours
Offer DescriptionVery recently, intense new particle formation events (NPF) have been observed in the upper tropospher/lower stratosphere (UTLS), where ice formation and deep convection are predominant. It seems that the region above tropospheric clouds is a favorable venue for the formation of new particles. The underlying mechanism is, however, only very qualitatively described. Those NPF events are possibly associated with the high-altitude formation of condensable vapors, and not just with the uplifting of polluted air masses containing those. NPF requires a source of atmospheric oxidants reducing the volatility of precursor gases to form nanometer-sized particles via gas-to-particle conversion. This oxidant source should be strong enough to compete with the condensational sinks induced by the preexisting particles.
We suggest that the formation of ice particles via the freezing of supercooled liquid water followed by water condensation on them are sources of H2O2 or HOx radicals in the UTLS driving NPF. The freezing of aqueous solutions has been documented to produce electric fields (the so-called Workman-Reynolds effect). Similarly, it has been shown recently that the preferred chemical bond orientation at the air/water interface induces an electric interfacial potential. Such localized electric fields may induce electrochemical processes in or on the ice particles producing H2O2 or HOx and contributing significantly to the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere, thereby affecting new particle and cloud formation and finally the earth's radiative budget and climate.The recruited person(s) will perform either laboratory-based experiments, field measurements or numerical modelling, depending in the applicant's profile.
The experimental activities will involve various advanced high-resolution mass spectrometers (Orbitrap, Vocus, …), optical techniques (fluorescence, aerosol optical tweezers,…), aerosol flow tubes and an atmospheric simulation chamber.
The modelling aspects will cover the development of a new aerosol chemistry module for box models up to meso-scale modelling.The researcher will work in the CARE team (Characterisation and Remediation of pollutants, , of the Institute of Researches on Catalysis and Environment of LYON (IRCELYON). This academic laboratory located in Villeurbanne (France) is one the largest one in Europe devoted to heterogeneous catalysis. The CARE group is focus on environmental topics.RequirementsResearch Field Chemistry Education Level PhD or equivalentResearch Field Chemistry Education Level PhD or equivalentLanguages FRENCH Level BasicResearch Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry Years of Research Experience NoneResearch Field Chemistry » Computational chemistry Years of Research Experience NoneAdditional InformationEligibility criteriaApplicants should have a background in experimental atmospheric-, physical-chemistry or physics. Postdoctoral researchers with experience in either mass spectrometry, optical tweezers, optical spectroscopy, atmospheric modelling or aerosol physical chemistry are encouraged to apply.
The candidate should be fluent in English, enthusiastic and have excellent communication, organization, planning and interpersonal skills, along with a strong scientific spirit.Additional commentsWhat we offer you: A stimulating work environment for contact with research staff. A possibility of teleworking (maximum 2 days per week) depending on the activity. A company restaurant on site which offers lunch at an attractive price. Partial reimbursement of transport tickets (75%) + sustainable mobility package. A site accessible by public transport + private parking 44 days of leave/RTT per year Financial contribution to mutual insurance costs. Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Institut de Recherches sur la Catalyse et l'Environnement de Lyon Country France City VILLEURBANNE GeofieldWhere to apply WebsiteContact CityVILLEURBANNESTATUS: EXPIRED

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