Research Fellow in Reaction Kinetics

Background

The School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham is a vibrant and thriving academic community with over 80 academic and research staff, 20 professional services staff and over 600 students. With a strong focus on its three main research themes, energy, sustainability and health, and several interdisciplinary interest groups, the school has ambitious plans to grow research activity; combined with investment from the University for the new Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (opened September 2018) and Molecular Sciences Research Building (opening in 2023/24), we are entering an exciting period.

Role Summary

We are looking for an exceptional researcher to work on the HILTRAC project (Highly Instrumented Low Temperature Reaction Chamber), funded by the European Research Council (ERC). The HILTRAC project is developing a new UK capability for measuring chemical reaction rate coefficients at low temperatures, ranging from 30 K to 250 K, using a highly instrumented approach. A combination of laser induced fluorescence, infrared frequency comb spectroscopy, and time-of-flight mass spectrometry will be used to monitor chemical reactions occurring in a uniform supersonic flow, achieved using a pulsed Laval nozzle. The HILTRAC apparatus will be capable of lending significant insight into reactions occurring in areas of the interstellar medium. Several targeted chemical reactions will be studied, all of which fall under the broad umbrella of organosulfur reactions.

You will be an integral part of the team as we take the first measurements using this exciting new apparatus. In addition to measuring the temperature dependence of reaction rate coefficients, spectroscopic information on reactants, possible intermediates, and products will be determined from infrared frequency comb spectroscopy and time-of-flight mass spectrometry. You will be a member of the team with expertise in cold reaction kinetics measurements, with potential to specialize in aspects of the time-of-flight mass spectrometer. You will also have opportunities for training in science and people management, science communication, and grant application writing, with the aim to develop a personal, independent career track.

Person Specification

• A PhD (or close to completion) in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Atmospheric Science, or a closely allied discipline
• A strong technical background in measuring gas phase reaction rate coefficients as a function of temperature
• A strong technical background in using gas phase molecular beams or Laval nozzles
• A strong background in using SIMION and/or spectroscopic analysis programmes (PGOPHER)
• Experience with data analysis programmes, such as MATLAB or LabVIEW, or programming languages, such as Python

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply Online button above or visit our careers website.

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