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 matter and materials, energy and environment and human health. 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 2100 people.



For the Surface Chemistry Research Group in the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory we are looking for a

   

PhD Student

in physical chemistry of the environment

Your tasks

You enjoy planning and running scientific experiments? You are eager to discover and to explore? We are looking for a highly skilled and enthusiastic young scientist with a strong background in physical chemistry.

 

The project is motivated by the chemistry in earth’s atmosphere and aims at developing a detailed understanding of the interfacial region of ice and its impact on multiphase chemistry. We will investigate the heterogeneous photochemistry of nitrogen oxides. This work tackles the fundamental question of how the structural arrangement of water molecules at the interface promotes chemistry and of the role of hydrogen-bonds in general. The research involves kinetic experiments in our laboratory, modelling work and spectroscopic investigations at the SLS synchrotron facility of the Paul Scherrer Institute.

Your profile

• Master degree with strong background in chemistry


• Experience and strong interest in experimental work


• Basic knowledge in programming or strong interest to learn


• Fluent in English, interest to learn German


• Technical talent, analytical thinking skills, problem solving genius

Nice to have

A strong interest in or even first experience in any of the following topics would be beneficial:

• Basic knowledge in mass spectrometry


• First experience with flow-reactors


• Writing and graphic designer skills

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.



For further information please contact Dr Thorsten Bartels-Rausch, phone +41 56 310 43 01.



Please submit your application online (including addresses of referees) for the position as a PhD Student (index no 5601-01).



Paul Scherrer Institut Human Resources Management, Jeanine Gehrig, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland