Formation and measurement of Secondary Organic Aerosol

A studentship is available in the research group of Prof Paul S. Monks and Dr. Steve Ball, Department of Chemistry, University of Leicester starting in October 2012.

Organic aerosols (OA) are predominantly secondary in nature and can account for a significant fraction (10-70%) of total ambient atmospheric aerosol. Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA) is formed by gas-to-particle conversion in the atmosphere and/or condensation of gaseous compounds on pre-existing aerosol particles. However, current models significantly underestimate SOA production and their rate of formation. Much of the uncertainty in SOA formation comes from a lack of knowledge about the compounds that are responsible for the accretion, nucleation or oligomerization into the aerosol-phase. The Ph.D. will work on the development and deployment on novel instrumentation for the measurements of both aerosol and its gas-phase pre-cursers coupled to the appropriate numerical modelling.

Applicants should have or expect a good (2:1 level or higher) first degree in Chemistry, Physics or Environmental Science. Full funding (fees + stipend) is only available to UK Nationals

We are an equal opportunities employer and particularly welcome applications for Ph.D. places from women, minority ethnic and other under-represented groups.