PhD Position in Environmental/Atmospheric Chemistry

Project Description

Carbonaceous particulate matter comprises a large fraction of the atmospheric aerosol and, therefore, badly affects our climate and human health. Measures that aim at improving air quality require that emission sources are apportioned and quantified individually. The determination of the long-lived radioisotope C-14 (radiocarbon) has become a unique and powerful tool for source apportionment, especially in combination with complementary techniques such as aerosol mass spectrometry.

We offer

• A fully funded PhD position
• Graduation either in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences or at the Graduate School of Climate Sciences
• The opportunity to work on an innovative research project
• Supportive PhD supervision
• Salary according to the guidelines of the University of Bern
• High quality of life in Bern and the Bernese Oberland and numerous amenities such as river swimming, hiking, and skiing

The University of Bern is the third largest university in Switzerland. The position offers a world-class environment with an outstanding infrastructure. For more information about the University as an employer, please visit this link.

Tasks

• Develop and conduct high-quality academic research as part of your doctoral dissertation
• Perform analyses on ambient aerosols collected in Switzerland and other countries
• Contribute to the understanding of the sources of carbonaceous aerosols and, thus, improve current measures of air-quality improvement

Requirements

• An above-average Master's degree in chemistry, climate sciences, or related topics
• An affinity for multidisciplinary cooperation
• Strong analytical skills, the ability to work independently, and a collaborative mindset
• Excellent communication in English, both written and oral