DPhil studentship in Ultrasensitive Absorption Spectroscopy for Atmospheric Sensing

Ref: GR01/2013

Applications are invited for a DPhil studentship in ultrasensitive absorption spectroscopy, to work under the supervision of Dr Grant Ritchie. The studentship is a NERC Analytical Science and Technology studentship funded project which aims to develop an ultrasensitive cavity enhanced absorption spectrometer for detection of iodine atoms in the atmosphere.

This project is concerned with assessment of the impact of iodine atoms upon tropospheric chemistry and composition through the development and application of a new ultrasensitive cavity based absorption spectrometer for measuring the mixing ratio of iodine atoms at the sub-parts per trillion level over a one second period. The objectives of the project are: (1) to develop and optimize a prototype ultrasensitive detection system based upon laser absorption within a resonant optical cavity, (2) to validate this device against a recently developed resonance fluorescence detection method, and (3) to deploy the system in a field campaign in order to demonstrate its viability.

Find out more about the Ritchie group and its research at: http://ritchie.chem.ox.ac.uk/

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated candidate who has a background in chemistry or physics. Applicants should have, or expect, a first or upper-second class honours degree.

The position is available from 1^st October 2013.

For further information please see: http://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/graduatestudies/prospective.html

To apply, please send your CV, a supporting statement and copies of your transcripts to date to: graduate.studies@chem.ox.ac.uk. Please also arrange for two academic referees to submit their letters of support directly to the same email address by the closing date, and provide their contact details in your application.

Admissions criteria for a DPhil programme can be found at: http://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/graduatestudies/criteria.html

For enquires relating to the application and admissions process please contact: Aga Borkowska, Graduate Studies Administrator: graduate.studies@chem.ox.ac.uk 
+44 (0) 1865 272569

For informal enquiries please contact Grant Ritchie: grant.ritchie@chem.ox.ac.uk

+44(0) 1865 285723

Closing date: 5^th July 2013.

The University of Oxford is a member of the Athena SWAN charter to promote women in Science, Engineering and Technology. The University holds an Athena SWAN bronze award at institutional level. Contact equality@admin.ox.ac.uk for further information about Athena SWAN at the University of Oxford