Postdoctoral : Evolution of the physical and chemical properties of secondary organic aerosols during their aging in the atmosphere

Keywords: Atmospheric simulation chamber, volatile organic compounds oxidation,  secondary organic aerosols, hygroscopic properties, radiative effect

Project: Atmospheric aerosols influence climate directly by altering the absorption and scattering of solar and terrestrial radiations and indirectly by changing cloud properties. One of the major uncertainties in estimating the aerosol radiative effect is associated with the contribution of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs). During their atmospheric lifetime, which ranges from 48 to 72h, their physical and chemical properties do not stay constant but rather evolve in response to local atmospheric conditions. For example, more oxidized, less volatile and more hygroscopic SOAs are typically observed in remote areas as a result of continuous aging in the atmosphere. Since SOA contains a wide variety of organic compounds, which vary in terms of their size, structure, functionality and oxidation state, the processes associated with SOA aging are very complex. Experiments will be performed in the new atmospheric simulation chamber of the LPCA (CHARME) to the study the evolution of SOA properties (chemical composition, size, hygroscopicity, radiative impact...) during their aging.  This project takes place in the framework of the regional program CLIMIBIO.

Qualifications:  The candidate should have a PhD in atmospheric physical chemistry and a good expertise in the use of analytical techniques dedicated to the metrology of gases and particles in the atmosphere (GC-MS, PTR-MS, SMPS, optical techniques like IBBCEAS, CRDS...). An experience in the use of simulation chambers would be appreciated.

Application: Candidates are invited to send their application by email, including a CV, a summary of their research activities, a list of communications, a cover letter and two recommendation letters.

Salary: About 2100 € monthly net.

Date:  The position is available from 01/12/18 to 30/11/2019

Lab location  Laboratoire de Physico-Chimie de l'Atmosphère (LPCA) Université du Littoral-Côte d'Opale (ULCO) 189A, avenue Maurice Schumann, 59140 Dunkerque, France

Contact: Dr. C. Coeur (LPCA/ULCO)