Radiation-driven astrochemical processes in ice phases: applications for space environments

10 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Astronomical Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences

Department

Interplanetary Matter Dept.

Research Field

Astronomy » Astrophysics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Slovakia

Application Deadline

15 May 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)

Type of Contract

Not Applicable

Job Status

Negotiable

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

1 Sep 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Supervisor: Mgr. Zuzana Kaňuchová, PhD. ([email protected] )
Affiliation: Astronomical Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Tatranská Lomnica, 059 60 Vysoké Tatry
Focus of the research: Laboratory investigations of chemical processes occurring in ices relevant to astrophysics have demonstrated the dependence of this chemistry on a number of experimental parameters (e.g., temperature, irradiating particle, dose). Although it has been found that different factors influence this chemistry, one aspect that hasn’t been explored to a great extent is the specific phase of the solid ice being studied. Understanding the solid phases of ices is crucial for studying how their molecular structures influence radiation-driven astrochemical processes (e.g. phase transition, ice compaction, radiolytic decay of molecules, formation of new molecules) occurring in various space environments.
Objectives: The aim of this project will be to systematically and quantitatively characterize the impact of various types of radiation (e.g., electron, ion, photon) on the different phases of various molecular ices relevant to astrochemistry. The candidate will make use of an ultrahigh-vacuum chamber equipped with a substrate that is able to cooled to cryogenic temperatures to prepare astrochemical ice analogues, which will then be irradiated by various radiation sources (e.g., particle accelerators, electron guns, ultraviolet lamps). The candidate will acquire spectroscopic and spectrometric data during these irradiations which will allow him / her to quantify: (i) the rate of destruction of the target ices, (ii) the rate of formation of new product molecules, and, most importantly, (iii) any apparent differences between different phases of the same molecular ice (e.g., between amorphous and crystalline ices). The information gained from these experiments will be of use in further elucidating data obtained by space missions aimed at characterizing the solid-state radiation chemistry of the interstellar medium and the outer Solar System.
Requirements:
– MSc degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, astronomy, engineering, or other relevant quantitative scientific field
– Knowledge of written and spoken English at an advanced level (thesis must be completed in English)
– Knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of spectroscopy with a particular focus on infrared absorption spectroscopy
– Programming and electrotechnical skills are not required but are certainly very welcome
Research field: astrochemistry of interstellar matter and Solar System objects

Requirements

Research Field

Astronomy » Astrophysics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Research Field

Astronomy » Astrophysics

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Astronomical Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences

Country

Slovakia

City

Vysoke Tatry

Postal Code

059 60

Street

Tatranska Lomnica

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

City

Vysoke Tatry

Website

http://www.astro.sk

Street

Tatranska Lomnica, PO Box 18

Postal Code

05960

E-Mail

[email protected]
[email protected]

Phone

(+421) 52 79 89 111

STATUS: EXPIRED