Job Description

The University of Rochester’s Ice Core and Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory, located in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, has an opening for a postdoctoral position. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Aparajeo Chattopadhyay and Professor Vasilii Petrenko on an atmospheric chemistry gas kinetics project recently funded by the National Science Foundation’s Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (NSF-AGS). In this laboratory project, we aim to investigate the kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) of methane (CH4) in atmospheric removal through reactions with the hydroxyl (OH) radical and the chlorine (Cl) atom, employing a temperature and pressure-controlled laser photochemical reactor coupled with online and offline spectroscopic determinations of relevant chemical species for kinetic analysis. Tunable Infrared Laser Direct Absorption Spectroscopy (TILDAS) is the primary analytical technique used in this study for high-precision measurement of methane isotopologues (d13C and dD). The improved uncertainty in our measured KIEs is expected to better constrain the global CH4 budget from atmospheric CH4 isotopic measurements.

For more information about this project, please visit the following link:

Kinetic Isotope Effects in Atmospheric Sinks of Methane

Information about our laboratory can be found here:

Ice Core and Atmospheric Chemistry Lab

Please direct all questions about the position to Dr. Aparajeo Chattopadhyay at aparajeo.chattopadhyay@rochester.edu

Key Responsibilities:

1. Participate in the fabrication and testing of a photochemical reactor
2. Design, plan, and perform laboratory experiments
3. Analyze data and interpret results
4. Maintain and develop laboratory equipment
5. Prepare project reports, manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, and present findings at professional conferences
6. Mentor undergraduate or graduate students as needed

Appointment Details:

Start date: As early as March 2026 (negotiable)

Duration: Initial appointment for 2 years, with potential for renewal based on performance and available funding.

Qualifications

1. A Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, Atmospheric Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Chemical Physics, or related field is mandatory (must be completed by the start date)
2. Strong research background and experience in experimental chemical kinetic methods and data analysis/interpretation are desirable
3. Experience with IR and UV spectroscopy, pulsed laser systems, and gas handling systems is preferred
4. Ability to conduct independent research and work as part of a team
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
6. Record of publications in peer-reviewed journals

Application Instructions

Application Instructions

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Interested applicants should submit:

• A cover letter describing research interests and career goals
• Curriculum vitae (CV) including publications record
• Names and contact information of 3 professional references (Letters will only be requested after shortlisting)

Review of applications will start immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

EOE, including disability/protected veterans

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