Empa’s Laboratory for Air Pollution/Environmental Technology develops atmospheric measurement techniques and modelling tools as a contribution to a healthy and safe environment and offers a
Postdoc position on CH4 clumped isotope analysis by laser spectroscopyMethane (CH4) is the second most important greenhouse gas emitted today. Its sources are disperse and highly variable, which makes source studies and thus mitigation challenging. Measuring the doubly substituted, or “clumped”, isotopes of CH4 will add new and unique dimensions to our ability to fingerprint and constrain the CH4 biogeochemical cycle.
The postdoc at Empa willestablish a novel quantum cascade laser (QCL) based analytical platform for the selective and precise analysis of the five most abundant CH4 isotopic species: 12CH4, 13CH4, 12CH3D, 13CH3D, and 12CH2D2. The analytical platform will comprise a powerful, LabVIEW automated preconcentration unit to increase CH4 mixing ratios to the percentage range, and a high-precision QCL spectrometer (Aerodyne Research Inc.) for selective analysis of both D13CH3D and D12CH2D2.
We are looking fora highly motivated scientist with a PhD in physics, chemistry, environmental sciences or a related discipline, and a strong background in optical spectroscopy, trace gas analysis, and measurement techniques and their automation. You have hands on experience in the setup of customized scientific instrumentation, development of analytical techniques and data analysis using MATLAB or R. You are self-motivated and take responsibility for your project, which you will present in project meetings and at scientific conferences. Candidates with demonstrated research skills, outstanding publication record, and excellent written and oral communication skills in English will be considered.
We are offering a multifaceted and challenging position for 2 years (with the possibility of extension) in a modern research environment with excellent infrastructure. Eligible candidates may apply for an extension within the Empa postdoc fellowship programmewww.empa.ch/web/empa/empapostdocs-ii.