PhD Student

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.

PhD Student

Your tasks
Multiphase chemistry and photochemistry are heavily involved in the cycling of important trace gases in the atmosphere. Nitrogen oxides and iodine species are heavily implicated in the ozone budget. Embedded in an interdisciplinary and collaborative project, you will use a set of flow tube experiments in the laboratory, coupled to state of the start trace gas analyzers and mass spectrometry, to obtain insight into the role of transition metals in the photochemical reduction of nitrate and iodate in secondary aerosol proxies, with a special emphasis on the highly concentrated aqueous environments. The experimental work will be complemented by employing an atmospheric box model with explicit aqueous phase chemistry to investigate the impact of the studied processes on the cycling of nitrogen oxides and iodine species in the atmosphere, in collaboration with external partners. You will also be involved in X-ray based spectroscopy and microscopy experiments at the Swiss Light Source SLS at PSI. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled at ETH Zürich.

Your profile
You should have a master’s degree or equivalent in physical or environmental chemistry. You should bring interest in molecular scale processes of the atmosphere. You should be motivated to work in an interdisciplinary and international team.

We offer
Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.

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