Research Associate: Development of Novel Approaches to Study the Surface Properties of Aerosols

The role

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to work on a European Research Council-funded project exploring surface composition and surfactant partitioning dynamics in individual aerosol droplets. The surfaces of aerosols and droplets hold exceptional significance due to their high surface area-to-volume ratio, but reactions occurring at the aerosol-air interface are not well understood. A complete understanding of the composition and reactivity at these microscopic interfaces is required. However, our current knowledge about how surfactants partition to the droplet-air interface is poor, and current technology is insufficient to measure adequately aerosol surface and bulk molecular composition on a single droplet basis. New approaches are required to address this grand challenge in aerosol science.

The researcher will be based at the Bristol Aerosol Research Centre (BARC), a unique, world-leading facility for aerosol research. BARC houses an array of home-built single aerosol droplet measurement tools that will complement this project. The School of Chemistry hosts the multi-institution EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science, which has developed a new curriculum in aerosol science, is training ~80 graduate students over 5 years, and has an industrial club of ~70 companies. The researcher will benefit from these allied centres. Further information about BARC can be found at: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/chemistry/research/barc/. Further information about Bzdek’s group can be found at: https://www.bzdeklab.com/.

What will you be doing?

In this project, you will pioneer the development of new approaches to quantify surfactant partitioning in microscopic droplets and measure the molecular composition of single aerosol droplets. The researcher specifically will 1) explore the timescales of surfactant partitioning in picolitre and nanolitre droplets in the microseconds after droplet generation and 2) develop a surface-selective mass spectrometry approach for the molecular analysis of picolitre droplet surface composition. These approaches will then be applied to scientific questions about the rates of light-induced reactions in aerosol droplets. As part of your role, you will be constructing and modifying home-built scientific equipment, working across a multidisciplinary team, and communicating research results through publications and presentations to diverse audiences.

You should apply if

You should apply if you have:

• Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in chemistry or in disciplines aligned with aerosol science.
• A strong background in experimental science, drawing on knowledge gained during postgraduate research.
• Previous experience with mass spectrometry or single particle analysis approaches, or experience in the development of new instrumental techniques.
• The ability to lead preparation of manuscripts for publication and to communicate project outcomes to researchers from a broad range of disciplines.
• The ability to work effectively across a team of researchers spanning multiple disciplines.

Additional information

For informal enquiries, contact: Bryan Bzdek, bb14562@bristol.ac.uk

Available documents

• Further Particulars - School of Chemistry 22-23.pdf
• ACAD106664 - Research Associate - JD.pdf