Junior Researcher (Natural Sciences) for UAV based methane measurements for environmental applications using mid-IR laser spectroscopy in Dübendorf

The Laser Spectroscopy group at Empa is looking for a highly motivated Early Stage Researcher (ESR) to work in the field of laser based sensor development and application within the European Marie Sklodowska-Curie ITN project MEMO2 (). In MEMO2, 13 ESRs in 9 research groups from 7 European countries join forces to study methane emissions and support mitigation measures. The project combines the use of mobile measurements with modern fast response analyzers, source identification by isotopic characterization, and various modelling approaches.

Job description, responsibilities and tasks

• Characterization, optimization and application of a greenhouse gas analyzer based on mid-IR laser spectroscopy.

• Measurement campaigns in Switzerland, the Netherlands and Sweden.

• Data analysis and data interpretation in collaboration with other MEMO2 ESRs.

Required skills

• Master degree in chemistry, physics or a related discipline

• Strong interest in atmospheric and environmental sciences

• Interest and ideally experience in field measurement campaigns

• Programming skills (Python, Matlab or alike)

• Fluency in English is required; basic oral expression skills in German are desirable

• Willingness to travel and work under field conditions

Due to ITN recruitment rules, candidates may not have resided in Switzerland, i.e. in the country of their host, for more than 12 months in the past 3 years. Furthermore, the ESR must be within the first four years after his Master degree and not own a PhD at the time of the recruitement. The position is planned for 12 – 24 month and is not part of a PhD programme.