The
Department of Chemistry at the University
of Hawai’i at
Manoa invites applications for Ph.D. studentships in the fields of reaction
dynamics, combustion chemistry, rocket propulsion chemistry, astrochemistry,
planetary chemistry, astrobiology, and atmospheric chemistry beginning
January 11, 2010. Exceptionally well qualified candidates are offered
research assistantships and tuition fee waivers. The prime directive of
our lab is to unravel the underlying chemical dynamics and reaction
mechanisms how complex, often carbon-bearing molecules are synthesized from
the bottom up via single atoms, radicals, and small molecules in extreme
environments such as combustion flames, rocket propulsion systems, the
interstellar medium, atmospheres of planets and their satellites, and in
cometary comae. The experiments involve reactive scattering studies and
employ a novel crossed beams machine (gas phase chemistry) and gas-surface
scattering setups (solid state chemistry). Typical projects are – but are not limited to:
Reaction Dynamics (NSF, DOE, NASA,
AFOSR, Keck),
2. Elementary reactions and formation of aromatic molecules like PAHs in
combustion flames (DOE),
3. The chemical evolution and origin of Titan’s atmosphere (NSF),
4. Reaction dynamics of boron atom reactions and their role in CVD,
combustion, and material sciences (AFOSR),
5. Surfaces of Kuiper Belt Objects (Keck, NASA)
6. Astrobiology & Solar System Ices - Aminoacids and Sugars in Space - Life
on Europa (NASA)
7. Radiation Stability of Organic
Polymers (AFOSR)
The crossed molecular beam studies are conducted at The University of
Hawai'i; single beam experiments utilizing tunable VUV photoionization are
carried out in collaboration with Dr. Musa Ahmed at the Advanced Light Source
, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, California, and Prof. Fei Qi,
University of Science and Technology of China (Hefei, China); the solid state
experiments are performed at The University of Hawai'i and at The Open
University, Department of Physics & Astronomy, Centre for Astrobiology,
Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, United Kingdom. Outstanding candidates should send a
letter of interest, three letters of recommendation, transcripts or
equivalent documentation, and a curriculum vitae to Prof. Ralf I. Kaiser,
Department of Chemistry, University
of Hawai’i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI
96822-2275, or via
email to ralfk@hawaii.edu .
