PhD Studentship in Atmospheric Chemistry

Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry

University College, Cork

PhD Position in Atmospheric Chemistry

Dr John Wenger of the Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry (CRAC) at University College Cork in Ireland has been awarded a PhD Fellowship for investigations into “The Atmospheric Chemistry of Naphthalene”.

Project Summary
Naphthalene is the most abundant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon detected in urban air and contributes to photochemical air pollution. The chemical transformation of naphthalene in the atmosphere generates a range of secondary pollutants including ozone and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) which are known to have an adverse effect on human health. In this project, a comprehensive programme of laboratory studies will be performed on the atmospheric degradation of naphthalene in order to determine the oxidation products and the yields of SOA. Experiments will be performed in atmospheric simulation chambers using GC-MS and FTIR spectroscopy for the identification of gas-phase compounds and aerosol mass spectrometry for the particle phase species. This experimental data will be used to construct a validated chemical mechanism that can be used to predict the impact of naphthalene emissions on regional air quality.

The PhD student will join a multidisciplinary team of researchers in the Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry at University College Cork and also work at the new Environmental Research Institute.

Funding
This project is funded by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Expected starting date: 1st October 2008.
Annual stipend is on average €17,000.
Fees for EU students are paid.

Applications
Applications, in the form of a detailed CV, are invited from candidates with at least a 2:1 grade in Chemistry, Physics or Environmental Science.

Further information can be obtained from Dr John Wenger (j.wenger@ucc.ie)

Links: http://crac.ucc.ie http://eri.ucc.ie http://www.ucc.ie/