PhD student on ultra-trace-level analytics of halogenated greenhouse gases in Zürich

Halogenated compounds are extremely potent greenhouse gases and are highly efficient ozone destructors.This PhD project is focused on the analysis of highly potent halogenated greenhouse gases from the atmosphere by coupling gas chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS). This technique allows identifying traces of unknown chemicals in the atmosphere (non-target search). The project builds on Empa’s long history of first-time detection of atmospheric halogenated trace gases. It will contribute to the creation of a world-wide unique digital air archive for these gases. Furthermore, tall tower measurement campaigns will be performed in Switzerland, the Netherlands and Estonia to quantify Swiss and European greenhouse gas emissions, and to support national inventories under UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.

The PhD study will be carried out in close cooperation with a PhD study on inverse emission modelling, also hosted at Empa. We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented person with passion and skills for experimental and observational research. The successful candidate will be enrolled at ETH Zürich, co-supervised by Prof. R. Zenobi.

Job description, responsibilities and tasks

• Optimization of a gas chromatograph-time of flight-mass spectrometer (GC-TOFMS) for the detection of unknown halogenated greenhouse gases.
• Creation of a measurement-based digital air archive for halogenated greenhouse gases.
• Measurement campaigns at tall tower sites in Switzerland, the Netherlands and Estonia.
• Data analysis and data interpretation in collaboration with a PhD study on inverse modelling.