Postdoctoral scholarship (2 years) in Optical Frequency Comb Spectroscopy
Department of Physics at Umeå University is offering a postdoctoral scholarship within the project aimed at high-precision broadband mid-infrared spectroscopy of molecules relevant to astrophysics. The scholarship is full-time for two years and the start date is Jan 1, 2025, or by agreement.
Project description
Infrared absorption and emission spectra measured by telescopes on Earth and in space carry information about the composition of environments ranging from hot exoplanetary atmospheres to cold interstellar medium. To interpret these spectra, accurate and complete models of the observed molecular spectral features are needed. These models, in turn, need to be verified by precise laboratory measurements. However, experimental data are missing or inaccurate for many molecules in the long-wave mid-infrared region. In the Optical Frequency Comb Spectroscopy Group (www.umucombs.org), we use Fourier transform spectrometers based on frequency combs to record molecular spectra with resolution and frequency accuracy that much supersede the performance of conventional Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers. We are now offering a postdoctoral scholarship within the project aimed at high-resolution mid-infrared spectroscopy of molecules of importance in astrophysics, for which the experimental data are missing or insufficiently accurate. We have recently provided line lists of methane and formaldehyde in the 8 µm range, as reported in J. Quant. Spectr. Radiat. Transf. 306, 108646 (2023) and J. Quant. Spectr. Radiat. Transf. 312, 108782 (2024). The tasks of the project are to integrate a new frequency comb source, covering the 6.5 – 10 µm range, with the Fourier transform spectrometer, and to measure and analyse spectra of hydrocarbons such as ethane, ethylene and methanol. We collaborate with world-leading theoreticians in the field to incorporate our data in the global models of the molecules. Our group offers a dynamic, creative, ambitious, and international environment, with many external collaborations and opportunities for the postdoctoral fellow to present papers at international meetings and conferences.
The scholarship is for two years and is financed by the Kempe Foundation. The scholarship amounts to 350,000 SEK per year and is tax-free.
Qualifications
To qualify as a postdoctoral scholarship holder, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the decision about scholarship recipient.
Priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior to the decision date for the scholarship recipient. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organizations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.
The candidate should have previous experience with precision spectroscopy and development of laser-based spectroscopic systems. Experience from conducting independent research and publishing articles in renowned scientific journals is a strong merit. The candidate should be highly motivated and responsible, have good social skills, and should be passionate about positive development both as an individual scientist and within the research team. Fluency in English is required.
Application
A full application must include:
Cover letter stating your motivation for applying and summarizing your qualifications for the position, your previous research experience as well as your experience in the area mentioned above (max. one page),
Curriculum vitae (CV) with a publication list,
Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained,
Verified copies of other diplomas, list of completed academic courses and grades,
Copy of doctoral thesis and up to three relevant articles,
Other documents that the applicant wishes to claim,
Contact information to two persons willing to act as references.
Submit your application as a PDF marked with the reference number FS 2.1.6-807-24, both in the file name and in the subject field of the email, to medel@diarie.umu.se. The application can be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. Application deadline is May 20, 2024.
