PhD Position: Applied Infrared Spectroscopy with Ultrabroadband Sources

Are you an enthusiastic young scientist who likes to work with and/or develop new spectroscopic instruments? And do you hold a Master's degree in physics (photonics), electrical engineering or a related field? Would you like to be involved in the research and development of instruments based on the latest ultrabroadband mid-infrared intrapulse difference frequency generation source to perform multispecies detection in demanding applications as in environmental and exposure monitoring, and the green hydrogen industry? If so, then you have a part to play as a PhD candidate in our research team.

Put your ideas to the test at our green campus and push your boundaries in an internationally friendly environment. Gas sensing plays an important role in many fields. It is used to monitor climate change, optimise industrial control, as well as observe important chemical or biological reactions related to life sciences. Among several optical methods for measuring gas concentrations, absorption spectroscopy with broadband, laser-based infrared sources is emerging as a promising and effective tool. In particular, the newly developed high-power intrapulse difference frequency generation (IDFG) based sources extend deep into the mid-infrared wavelength range with unprecedented spectral coverage (2–11.5 µm).

In our lab, we have recently demonstrated a system comprising an in-house built Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) with such a source for multispecies trace gas detection. This system has shown an excellent performance during in-situ measurements of a wide range of molecular species with high sensitivity (Opt. Express 32, 14506: 2024).

Here, coherent open-path spectroscopy (COPS) will be used for field measurements. In contrast to conventional absorption spectroscopy, COPS eliminates the use of a gas cell and guides the light beam over an outdoor path for direct interaction with the area of interest.

This PhD project aims to further explore the potential of developing a robust system using COPS and deploying it in the field for gas measurements in real-life applications, for example environmental monitoring of greenhouse gases and air pollutants (i.e. CH4, CO2, N2O, NH3, SO2, CO, etc.) and plasma-based conversion of industrial waste gases. Together with our team, you will develop a field-deployable spectrometer, perform field measurements, and analyse and interpret the data. We are looking for a PhD candidate who is eager to conduct this applied research.

Profile

• You have a Master's degree in physics, engineering, photonics or a related discipline, and an interest in learning how to handle optical equipment, operate laboratory instruments and analyse data.
• You have a good basis in optics, laser spectroscopy and signal-processing techniques.
• Ideally, you have experience with lasers and/or spectroscopy and programming (i.e. Matlab, LabView/Python).
• You are a highly motivated, enthusiastic, critical, communicative, creative and team-oriented young scientist with a particular interest in laser-based spectroscopy and experimental work.
• You can work independently as well as in a team.
• You are fluent in English (written and spoken) and have good communication skills.
• You demonstrate integrity and positivity and motivate others to do the same.

We are

Our research team is a diverse team of international enthusiast scientists interested in gas detection for different applications. Research in the Trace Detection Laboratory focuses on the detection of species in trace levels with a high emphasis on the gas phase. For this, we develop new laser-based spectroscopic instruments and use a strong analytical infrastructure of various mass spectrometry-based techniques. These applications cover a wide range of areas such as pollution monitoring, bio-medical applications, the agri-food industry, and emission/exposure measurements.

We have a large list of national and international collaborating groups, universities, institutes and companies in several national and European projects. This provides us with a very active and open environment, and exposes us to new challenges in trace detection for which we can provide solutions.

The TDLab is embedded within the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM), at the Faculty of Science of Radboud University (Nijmegen, Netherlands). IMM is a dynamic interdisciplinary research institute that brings together chemistry and physics to unravel the mysteries of atomic, molecular and solid-state environments. The institute strives to make a positive impact on society by exploring practical applications and educating the future leaders in science and innovation.

Radboud University

At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.

We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €2,901 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,707 in the fourth year.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• We offer Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

Would you like more information?

Dr S.M. Cristescu (Simona)

simona.cristescu [at] ru.nl