[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoctoral Scholar Opportunity in Iron-Salt Aerosols at UChicago

[Mingyi Wang]

Dear all,

Wang Aerosol Laboratory<https://mingyi-w.github.io/> (PI: Mingyi Wang) at the University of Chicago is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to join our interdisciplinary research team. This position<https://www.sparkclimate.org/grants/wang-2024>, funded by the Spark Climate Solutions Foundation, will focus on cutting-edge experimental work using iron-salt aerosols (ISA) for atmospheric methane removal, in collaboration with modeling work led by Dr. Xu-Cheng He at the University of Cambridge.

Removing atmospheric methane now has outsized climate benefits by “flattening the curve” of global warming over the next few decades. One potential approach to methane removal is to use chlorine radicals produced by ISA, which react with methane 16 times faster than with its natural sink, hydroxyl radicals. To develop this approach, the GeoRestoration Action Plan is planning a field test in 2025 to release ferric chloride (FeCl3) aerosols (artificial ISA) over the subtropical ocean. While this test concept appears feasible, critical microphysical and chemical data for quantitative operation and climate assessment are largely lacking.

Our research aims to address this gap by improving the understanding of the microphysical and photochemical processes involved in ISA generation and their role in chlorine production. The postdoctoral scholar will lead laboratory experiments using a flow tube capable of simulating temperatures down to -60 °C, a Vocus Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer (CIMS) with Filter Inlet for Gas & Aerosol (FIGAERO) and Eisele type inlet, a PSMPS nano mobility particle size spectrometer, and other gas and particle analyzers. In addition, our lab will collaborate with modelers and field researchers, both within the Climate System Engineering initiative (CSEi) at UChicago and beyond, contributing to the broader assessment of the feasibility, benefits, and risks of this methane removal approach.

The initial appointment will be for one year, with the expectation of renewal for at least one year upon satisfactory performance. While the start date can be flexible, the position will become available from January 01, 2025, and will remain open until filled.

Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.
- Previous experience with mass spectrometry, aerosol measurements, and laboratory experiments is desirable.
- Proficiency with Python, or other programming and numeric computing languages.
- Excellent communication and scientific writing skills.

Applications:
To apply, please email Prof. Mingyi Wang (mingyiw at uchicago.edu<mailto:mingyiw at uchicago.edu>) with the following:
(1) Curriculum vitae.
(2) Cover letter (maximum 2 pages) describing research interests, plans, and qualifications.
(3) The names and contact information of three references.
Please use the subject line “Postdoc Position in Iron-Salt Aerosols”. Applications will be reviewed starting on November 15, 2024, on a rolling basis.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity at uchicago.edu<mailto:equalopportunity at uchicago.edu> with their request.

Best,
Mingyi
--
Mingyi Wang, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Geophysical Sciences
The University of Chicago
Email: mingyiw at uchicago.edu
Website: https://mingyi-w.github.io
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