Cosmic Chemistry in the Laboratory - Fully funded PhD Studentship in Laboratory Astrochemistry

This project bridges the research fields of molecular spectroscopy, nanoscience, chemical physics and astronomy. The aim is to investigate, using a unique combination of modern tools, the gas phase spectroscopic and chemical properties of carbonaceous molecules that are of central importance to astrochemistry. Motivation comes from the recent discovery of C60 in circumstellar environments and the identification of C60+ as the first carrier of several of the enigmatic diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs). These discoveries suggest that there must be a significant number of other fullerene analogues present in the interstellar medium and here one of the objectives is to synthesise and spectroscopically characterise them at low temperatures, enabling a direct comparison with astronomical observations. This will be achieved using an innovative combination of state-of-the-art laboratory techniques based on ion storage in a temperature variable radiofrequency trap. Ultimately, one of the aims of the project is to address the grand challenge of identifying some of the remaining DIB carrier molecules, leading to insight into their role in the transportation of organic matter from circumstellar shells to regions where star and planet formation occurs. The scientific programme is also motivated by spectroscopic investigation of complex molecular ions, with possible extensions from the optical region to the infrared where emission features typically cited as arising due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are found. The proposed approaches include ion traps coupled with lasers, beams of molecules and radicals and modern methods of mass spectrometry. The fundamental chemical and photochemical properties of the molecules characterised will further benefit the broader scientific community encompassing chemistry, materials and nanoscience.

The student working on this project will gain expertise in modern methods of mass-spectrometry, cryogenic radiofrequency ion traps, high resolution molecular spectroscopy, atomic and molecular beams, pulsed and continuous-wave laser systems, computer programming and data acquisition. The student will be supported and encouraged to attend and present work related to this project at meetings at the national and international level.

The School of Chemistry holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. The University is a member of the Race Equality Charter and is a Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion, actively promoting LGBT equality. The University has a range of initiatives to support a family friendly working environment. See our University Initiatives website for further information. University Initiatives website: https://www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity/help-advice/family-friendly

Applications
Applicants should have an interest in chemical physics, gas phase molecular spectroscopy and dynamics. Applicants must be in possession of (or expecting to obtain) a first class or upper-second class degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, physics or other cognate discipline. Interested applicants should e-mail a CV to [Email Address Removed] in the first instance. Please include a brief description of research experience and interests and the names of two referees. The post will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified.