Post Doctoral Research Associate (Ice Aggregation Studies)

Post Doctoral Research Associate (Laboratory Astrophysics: Ice Aggregation Studies)

Fixed-term contract until 31st March 2020

The School of Physical Sciences at the Open University, UK, invites applications for a fixed-term postdoctoral researcher in Laboratory Astrophysics. The post involves working in the Astrochemistry Group on an STFC funded project. The overarching aim of this project is to understand how ensembles of icy interstellar grains aggregate to form ‘pebbles’ in the regions around the snowline in proto-planetary disks, and to establish if this process can generate gas-phase water in the same regions.

You will continue the development of a novel instrument, designed to study the aggregation of ensembles of icy grains. You will be expected to lead the day-to-day experimental work, data analysis and resulting scientific publications. The first two key experiments will focus on the aggregation of solid mm-sized icy grains, and porous-mm to cm-sized icy grains. The third experimental objective will focus on quantifying the collision induced outgassing of water. Some of the experiments will be conducted in microgravity environments in addition to the OU Astrochemistry Laboratories.

You will have a PhD in Experimental Physics, Physical Chemistry or Laboratory Astrochemistry or a  related experimental field, and will be experienced in working with at least two of the following laboratory technologies: ultra-high vacuum, mass spectroscopy, cryogenics, ultra-fast video imaging. Additionally, you will have experience of experiment development and experimental computer control and data analysis. You will also have excellent communication skills and be able to evidence strong teamwork in scientific or engineering projects, as well as demonstrating an emerging track record of peer-reviewed publications in international scientific journals.

Closing date: February 28 2018

Interview date: Interviews are expected to take place between 8th and 13th March 2018

For detailed information and how to apply go to http://www.open.ac.uk/about/employment/vacancies/post-doctoral-research-associate-laboratory-astrophysics-ice-aggregation-studies-14377 or email [email protected].

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