PhD Student

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2200 people.

PhD Student

Your tasks
Solar radiation management by stratospheric aerosol injection SAI as an intermediate solution to reduce climate warming raises major concerns about the adverse effects on the stratospheric ozone layer. Embedded in an international interdisciplinary project, you will use in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy XPS at the Swiss Light Source at PSI and elastic recoil detection analysis ERDA at the Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics at ETH Zurich to obtain insight into the fate of solid particles considered for SAI upon exposure to trace gases under stratospheric conditions. You will quantify the extent of surface and bulk chemical conversion. You will interact with the modelling groups in the project consortium for implementation of your findings in large scale atmospheric chemistry models. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled at ETH Zürich.

Your profile
You should have a master degree or equivalent in physical, environmental chemistry or material science. You should bring interest in molecular scale processes of the atmosphere. You should be motivated to work in an interdisciplinary and international team.

We offer
Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.

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