Postdoc in Atmospheric Sciences 80-100%

Postdoc in Atmospheric Sciences 80-100%

Possible date of entry: July 2024

The Atmospheric Science group at the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Switzerland, is looking for a postdoc candidate. Our research focuses on chemical processes in the atmosphere to elucidate the formation and toxicity of atmospheric aerosol particles. The development of new analytical-chemical methods and instruments to characterize organic aerosols is a main focus of our work.
Atmospheric aerosol particles are the most important health-relevant air pollution components. Clear correlations between exposure to increased levels of aerosols and severe health effects have been observed. However, particle components and properties causing these health effects are not well understood but oxidising particle components are likely to play an important role, inducing oxidative stress in the lung and ultimately inflammation and disease.

Your position

Our group develops novel instruments to measure continuously oxidising properties of aerosol particles in the ambient atmosphere and in laboratory experiments (e.g., Utinger et al., Atmospheric Measurement Techniques, 2023, 2641–2654). The postdoc project will focus on lab and field measurements to characterise oxidative particle properties (with our novel instrument and other techniques) from a wide range of particle sources. A special focus of the project will be to elucidate interactions between metals and organic particle components using real-world aerosol sources, as well effects of atmospheric aging processes on particle toxicity.

Your profile

• An PhD degree in chemistry, environmental sciences, physics or a related field.
• Experience in analytical chemistry and/or atmospheric sciences is highly favourable.
• A very good level of English (spoken and written).
• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to collaborate with other team members are essential.
• Strong self-motivation, perseverance, and a creative way of problem solving.
• Ability to work independently

We offer you

• A postdoc positions funded for 2 years with the possibility of extension in the atmospheric sciences research group (https://duw.unibas.ch/en/research-groups/atmospheric-sciences/) at the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Basel, Switzerland.
• A motivated, interdisciplinary team that will support your ideas, research and career in a stimulating, welcoming and multicultural environment.
• A well-equipped, modern lab at a top research university. University of Basel has an international reputation of outstanding achievements in research and teaching. It offers excellent support to postdocs for their career advancement.
• Salary and social benefits are provided according to Swiss standards and University of Basel rules (https://www.unibas.ch/en/Working-at-the-University-of-Basel/Salary-Insurance.html).