Postdoctoral Researcher in Physical Chemistry

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Copenhagen is seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Fellow to spearhead research in Physical Chemistry focusing on atmosphere-relevant gas-phase reaction kinetics.

Job description

As a Postdoc fellow in our department, you will focus on the intricacies of atmospheric chemistry, exploring the thermal dynamic reaction profiles and kinetic parameters of molecular and radical reactions. Employing state-of-the-art computational methodologies, including first-principle methods like couple-cluster or multi-reference configuration interaction approach, and kinetic approaches such as multi-conformer and variational transition state theory, you will, in collaboration with experiments, advance our understanding of Earth's atmosphere and the atmosphere of other celestial bodies.

Qualification Requirements

• A Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, Physics, or a related field (or anticipated completion before the start date).
• Expertise in Theoretical, Physical and Atmospheric Chemistry, with a strong foundation in first-principle methods.
• Proficiency in quantum computing packages, including Molpro, Orca, Gaussian, etc.
• Familiarity with chemical kinetics and dynamics.
• Familiarity with Bash/Shell scripting
• Knowledge of experimental approaches for atmospheric chamber and flow-tube setups is advantageous.

Research Environment

You will be part of the research group led by Prof. Henrik G. Kjaergaard, in physical chemistry at KU. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and international collaborations, you will have the opportunity to thrive in an environment that fosters innovation and collaboration.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within Physical Chemistry as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Pernille Harris.

The position is open from 1/9/2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is a fixed-term position for 2 years. The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

For enquiries, please contact Professor Henrik Grum Kjærgaard, [email protected]

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is  23 May 2024, 23:59 GMT +2. 

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.