Research Associate: Time-Resolved Photochemistry of Organic Solutes in Aqueous Microdroplets

The role

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to work on a Leverhulme Trust-funded project exploring time-resolved photochemistry of organic solute in aqueous microdroplets. Recent work has demonstrated that reaction rates in aerosols can be accelerated up to a million-fold relative to the same reaction in a beaker. The reasons for reaction acceleration are unclear but may include chemistry at the particle-air interface outcompeting that in the bulk or the extremely high solute concentrations accessible in aerosol. Molecules undergoing unusual or extremely rapid chemistry in aerosol may be a widespread phenomenon, but this area is largely unexplored and the potential impacts ignored.

The researcher will work with Dr Bryan Bzdek and Prof Andrew Orr-Ewing FRS and will be based at the Bristol Aerosol Research Centre (BARC), a unique, world-leading facility for aerosol research. BARC houses an array of home-built single aerosol droplet measurement tools that will complement this project. The School of Chemistry hosts the multi-institution EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science, which has developed a new curriculum in aerosol science, is training ~80 graduate students over 5 years, and has an industrial club of ~70 companies. The researcher will benefit from these allied centres. Further information about BARC can be found at: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/chemistry/research/barc/. Further information about Bzdek’s group can be found at: https://www.bzdeklab.com/.

What will you be doing?

You will develop a new experimental approach to explore differences between aerosol and bulk phase photochemistry. You will couple a single droplet trapping setup with a previously developed time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) instrument to explore light-induced chemistry in single droplets at high time resolution to map out the excited states of molecules, transient intermediates, and their lifetimes. Experimental work will include 1) studying the ultrafast photochemistry of atmospherically relevant molecules in bulk solution, 2) coupling a single droplet electrodynamic trap to fluorescence spectroscopy, 3) integrating TCSPC into the experimental setup, and 4) exploring how time-resolved fluorescence changes across a range of conditions.

You will construct and modify home-built equipment, work across a multidisciplinary team, and communicate research results through publications and presentations to diverse audiences.

You should apply if

You should apply if you have:

• Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in physical or analytical chemistry or in disciplines aligned with aerosol science.
• A strong background in experimental science, drawing on knowledge gained during postgraduate research.
• Experience with laser spectroscopy or advanced aerosol analysis (e.g. single particle or droplet trapping, aerosol mass spectrometry, aerosol spectroscopy).
• Experience developing or working with home-built experimental techniques and instrumentation.
• Some experience and knowledge in molecular photochemistry and dynamics.
• The ability to lead preparation of manuscripts for publication and to communicate project outcomes to researchers from a broad range of disciplines.
• The ability to work effectively across a team of researchers.

Additional information

For informal enquiries, contact: Bryan Bzdek, bb14562@bristol.ac.uk

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