'''PhD position in Physics –Experimental Molecular Astrophysics, University of Trento (IT)
'''
Title: Ion-molecule reactions for the synthesis and destructions of complex organic molecules in the interstellar space and planetary ionosphere
Observing molecules and understanding their formation and destruction mechanisms in planetary forming systems is fundamental to comprehend the structure, dynamics and evolution of stellar systems and to understand the history of our own Solar system. Thanks to the observational facilities nowadays available (e.g. ALMA), the inventory of interstellar molecules is becoming richer and more complex. To be able to use molecules as proxies for the physical conditions of the celestial objects where they are observed, astronomers need reliable astrochemical models containing large network of reactions. However, laboratory studies of kinetic and dynamic parameters are still sparse (a conservative estimate is that only 10% of the gas phase reactions have been measured or computed).
The laboratory of Experimental Molecular Astrophysics of the Physics Department at the University of Trento uses guided ion beam mass spectrometric techniques to explore gas phase reactivity of atomic and molecular ions with stable neutrals.
The PhD candidate will study the reactivity of hydrocarbons and N-containing hydrocarbon cations with several neutral partners, by measuring absolute cross sections and branching ratios with the aim of providing input data to the astrophysical community. The selected candidate will join the on-going collaborations with other research groups (LCP at Orsay-Paris-Saclay for isomer selected ion generation via photoionization with synchrotron radiation; University of Stockholm and Perugia for theoretical quantum chemical modelling; Institute of Planetology and Astrophysics in Grenoble for astrophysical modelling).
The ideal candidate should have a Master (or equivalent degree) in physics, physical chemistry or astrophysics and a strong focus on laboratory work. Experience in the field of mass spectrometry, vacuum technology, gas handling techniques, Labview programming is desirable.
References
• Cernuto, F. Pirani, L. Matteo Martini, P. Tosi, D. Ascenzi " The Selective Role of Long-Range Forces in the Stereodynamics of Ion–Molecule Reactions: The He++Methyl Formate Case From Guided-Ion-Beam Experiments" ChemPhysChem 19, 51-59 (2018)
• Cernuto, P. Tosi, L. Matteo Martini, F. Pirani, D. Ascenzi "Experimental investigation of the reaction of helium ions with dimethyl ether: stereodynamics of the dissociative charge exchange process" Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 217, 1463 (2017)
• Cernuto, A. Lopes, C. Romanzin, B. Cunha de Miranda, D. Ascenzi, P. Tosi, G. Tonachini, A. Maranzana, M. Polasek, J. Zabka, C. Alcaraz, "Effects of collision energy and vibrational excitation of CH3+ cations on its reactivity with hydrocarbons: But-2-yne CH3CCCH3 as reagent partner" J. Chem.Phys. 147, 154302 (2017)
Applications
Interested candidates, prior to the official on-line application available at https://www.unitn.it/en/ateneo/1940/announcement-of-selection, should send their CV with the names of at least two referees who can write about their academic achievements, along with a cover letter with their motivation to the contact person below.
Contact
Further information can be obtained from the PhD supervisor:
Daniela Ascenzi Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Trento
Phone: 0039 0461 28 1641 e-mail: daniela.ascenzi@unitn.it
webpage: http://www.science.unitn.it/labfm/pmwiki/pmwiki.php
