PhD in Physical Chemistry: Detection of Criegee intermediates and investigation of their reactions in Earth’s atmosphere

The composition of Earth’s atmosphere and its ability to respond to pollution and climate change is
maintained by oxidation reactions involving short-lived radicals. In particular, thousands of different
organic radicals are present in the atmosphere, such as Criegee intermediate (CI), resulting from the reactions of unsaturated organic compounds with Ozone. Despite several decades of research, these CI remain very difficult to observe in laboratory and have never been observed in the atmosphere. Thus many questions remain on their reactions. This PhD position will take place within an on-going European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Project and have for specific objective to investigate the use of Proton Transfer Mass Spectrometry to detect these radicals and to study their reactions in laboratory. The results will bring new information on the reactions of these radicals that will improve the understanding of the atmosphere’s chemistry and oxidation cycles.

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy.

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:
• passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge
In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon:
• the strength of the background in physical chemistry,
• the motivation for experimental work,
• the interest for environmental topics,
• the extent of problem-solving skills and abilities to analyse and work with complex issues,
• the self-motivation, and the ability to work detail- and goal-oriented,
• ability both to work independently and to collaborate with others.