PhD Candidate in Molecular Astrophysics (PAH Spectroscopy for UV Irradiated Environments)

Do you want to use advanced spectroscopic techniques to study organic molecules in the gas phase? Would you like to work in a collaborative environment to understand the chemical evolution of the universe? If so, we got the job for you!

As a PhD candidate at the international research infrastructure HFML-FELIX at Radboud University, you will be working together with other researchers in the Dutch Astrochemical Network (DAN). You will use advanced infrared spectroscopic techniques to study polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in triplet electronic states and to investigate their fragmentation pathways upon energetic processing. PAHs are important organic molecules observed through their infrared emission in the interstellar medium, and your work will be key to interpret astronomical data obtained with the James Webb Space Telescope.

In your work you will use several cryogenic ion-trap and molecular beam instruments coupled to the FELIX infrared free-electron lasers and use different infrared action spectroscopic methods to record vibrational spectra of PAH neutrals, ions and fragments. You will be expected to perform quantum-chemical DFT calculations to aid interpretation of your experimental results. The work will be supervised by Dr. Sandra Brünken (RU), Prof. Jos Oomens (RU), and Prof. Wybren Jan Buma (RU & UvA).

Profile

• You have, or are about to obtain, an excellent Master's degree in Physical Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related field.
• You have solid hands-on experience in experimental research.
• Ideally you have a background in one or more of the following fields: molecular beam laser spectroscopy, ion-trapping mass spectrometry, physical chemistry or astrochemistry.
• You possess good English communication skills, both written and oral.