Peroxyl Radicals - Trapping and Laser Studies

Free radicals initiate breakdown of the majority of organic compounds emitted to the atmosphere. Understanding radical chemistry is crucial therefore to calculate organic pollutant lifetimes, assess impacts of this chemistry on air quality, composition and climate, and confidently predict the impact of future emission scenarios. Recent results from laboratory, field and theoretical studies demonstrate that under clean-air conditions, radical chemistry is poorly understood, for even the most important atmospheric species. In this project, atmospheric radical chemistry will be investigated using two complementary laboratory techniques: laser-based generation and detection of radicals to study kinetics and mechanisms of free-radical reactions; and identification, speciation and quantification of new target radicals in a fast-flow reactor equipped with novel organic radical traps. Results will be incorporated into the Master Chemical Mechanism (mcm.leeds.ac.uk/MCM/) and atmospheric impacts tested using photochemical box models. The successful student will have a strong background in the physical sciences, a keen interest in environmental issues, and an aptitude and enthusiasm for experimental work. Full training is part of the PhD, and no previous experience with specific techniques or instruments is necessary as the York team is well supported with experienced scientists (http://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/research/wacl/).

3.5-year fully funded PhD studentships are available on this Leeds York NERC SPHERES Doctoral Training Partnership for entry in October 2018. Although the PhD will be based at the University of York, to be considered you need to submit an application through the University of Leeds online application system selecting the programme ‘PhD Leeds/York NERC DTP’ and stating which project you are applying for. Please note that you can only apply for 1 project within the DTP.

Students with, or expecting to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. The interdisciplinary nature of this programme means that we welcome applications from students with backgrounds in any chemical, physical or environmental science, or students with mathematical backgrounds who are interested in using their skills in addressing chemical questions.

Shortlisting will take place as soon as possible after the closing date and successful applicants will be notified promptly.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview to take place at the University of Leeds between 19 and 22 February 2018. Candidates will be interviewed by an academic panel.

The Department of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award and is committed to supporting equality and diversity for all staff and students. This PhD project is available to study full-time or part-time (50%).