Phd in Role of Biogenic Macromolecules for Ice - Fribourg, Schweiz - ETH Zürich

ETH Zürich

Geprüftes Unternehmen

Fribourg, Schweiz

vor 4 Wochen

Geschrieben von:

Lena Schneider

beBee Recruiter

Beschreibung

PhD in role of biogenic macromolecules for ice nucleation of fertile soils:

100%, Zurich, fixed-term:

Project background:

Ice-nucleating particles (INPs) represent only a tiny fraction of the atmospheric aerosol, but they are key actors in cloud processes including precipitation formation, as they initiate the ice phase in clouds.

Although mineral dusts are probably the most important and best established type of atmospheric INPs, there are still major unknowns that preclude a reliable prediction of ice crystals forming on them.

Different factors have been identified that influence their freezing temperatures.

Apart from the mineral type, these are particle size, interactions with solutes and water, adsorption of organic molecules, and freezing mode.

Yet, some of these factors do not seem to matter in general, but only for some mineral types. Therefore, attempts to generalize them to all types of mineral INPs produce conflicting results.

Our group has longstanding experience in the investigation of atmospheric INPs and a history of developing cloud chambers and cold-stage experiments, among them the microfluidic device MINCZ, the drop freezing assay DRINCZ and the continuous flow diffusion chamber HINC.

Moreover, a broad range of analytical techniques for aerosol characterization are available in our group and at ETH Zurich.

Job description:

Measurement of the IN activity of collected soil dust samples with MINCZ and DRINCZ.
Analysis of the soil dusts with respect to mineralogical composition (XRD) and surface area (BET).
Thermogravimetric and spectroscopic analysis of the soil dusts to infer the composition of the organic matter.
Measurement of the ice nucleation activity of macromolecules such as cellulose, lignin, and proteins with MINCZ and DRINCZ.
Correlation of the ice nucleation activity of the collected soil dust samples with their composition. Interpretation of the results.

Your profile:

A MSc (or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, engineering, atmospheric/environmental sciences, or a related field
Knowledge of oral and written English is required
Knowledge of aerosol measurement techniques and data analysis in Igor, MATLAB, Python or similar software is highly desired.

We are looking for a highly motivated, committed, and creative person.

We offer:

Training in teaching via teaching assitassistantships
Support for career development during the later stage of PhD via regular assessments and promotion of networking through conferences and project meetings
Support programs e.g. mentoring of bachelor and master students
Culturally and gender diverse team at all levels (students and senior staff) with flexible working hours and home office (where possible) to accommodate diverse team needs
Excellent funding, infrastructure and working environment with stateoftheart laboratory facilities and equipment

We value diversity:

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture.

We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected.

Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we
: