Research Fellow in Reaction Kinetics

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974. Grade: 7

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to January 2026

Closes: 10^th June 2024

We are looking for an exceptional researcher to work on the HILTRAC project (Highly Instrumented Low Temperature Reaction Chamber), funded by the European Research Council (ERC). The HILTRAC project is developing a new UK capability for measuring chemical reaction rate coefficients at low temperatures, ranging from 30 K to 250 K, using a highly instrumented approach. A combination of laser induced fluorescence, infrared frequency comb spectroscopy, and time-of-flight mass spectrometry will be used to monitor chemical reactions occurring in a uniform supersonic flow, achieved using a pulsed Laval nozzle. In addition to measuring the temperature dependence of reaction rate coefficients, spectroscopic information on reactants, possible intermediates, and products will be determined from infrared frequency comb spectroscopy and time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The HILTRAC apparatus will be capable of lending significant insight into reactions occurring in areas of the interstellar medium. Several targeted chemical reactions will be studied, all of which fall under the broad umbrella of organosulfur reactions. 

You will be an integral part of the team as we optimise the apparatus and apply it to reaction of radicals with small organic compounds. The ideal candidate has a strong track record in laser spectroscopy, ideally with gas phase molecules. You will also have opportunities for training in science and people management, science communication, and grant application writing, with the aim to develop a personal, independent career track.

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids 
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Designing, planning, and conducting a programme of investigation, in consultation with Dr Julia Lehman 
• Lead or assist in coupling the TOF-MS to the main Laval expansion chamber, optimizing observed laser-induced signals and kinetic data
• Lead or assist in optimizing cavity-enhanced infrared frequency comb spectroscopy for kinetics and spectroscopy of cold samples within the Laval expansion
• Assist and mentor students who will be leading the laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy portion of the apparatus
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students or Masters students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 

Person Specification

• A PhD (or one near to completion) in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Atmospheric Science, or a closely allied discipline
• A strong technical background in laser spectroscopy, particularly of gasses
• A background in building instrumentation 

Informal enquiries to contact Dr Julia Lehman, j.lehman@bham.ac.uk or telephone 0121 414 4397 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

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