Job Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences - PhD position Development and application of on-line 14C detection (1,0 fte)

14C (or Radiocarbon) is well-known for archaeological dating, but it is also extensively used in studies of the human influence on greenhouse gases by fossil fuel combustion. Examples are atmospheric monitoring, bio-fuel fraction determination, and leak detection of fields with subsurface storage of CO2. The Centre for Isotope Research (CIO) at Groningen University belongs to the world's most renowned 14C research groups.
The state-of-the-art 14C measurement technique at present is the use of particle accelerators in combination with mass spectrometry: AMS. This technique is mature and produces reliable results, but the method is costly, and requires extensive sample pre-treatment, and on-line measurements are virtually impossible.
Prof. Daniel Murnick, Rutgers University, Newark NJ (close to New York City) has developed a new, and potentially revolutionary detection method for 14C, based on optogalvanic spectroscopy. The potential advantages are enormous: Direct on-site measurements with a small, relatively cheap instrument.
In this collaborative project the 14C skills of the CIO are combined with the method expertise of Rutgers: After a few initial months in Groningen, the PhD student will work for about a year of her/his contract at Rutgers, to get full insight into the technique. She/he will build a prototype, bring this back to Groningen to perform an extensive test programme on the three subjects: 14C dating, on-line 14CO2 monitoring in the atmosphere and on-line bio-admixture monitoring in flue gas from a power plant (the latter in co-operation with the electricity producer ESSENT, who finances the project).

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with an MSc in experimental physics, or physical chemistry, with experience in optical techniques. Knowledge of 14C, or the use of natural isotopes in general, is an advantage.

The University of Groningen offers a salary of € 2,042 gross per month in the first year up to a maximum of € 2,612 gross per month in the final year. Objective of the temporary 4-year position is a number of research articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals, which together will form the basis of the thesis leading to the granting of the PhD degree (Dr.) at the University of Groningen. After return from Newark to Groningen, there will be an evaluation as to the feasibility of successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years.

We would like to recieve letters in the English language, including the personal motivation for the position before April 7th, 2010 or until a qualified candidate is identified.

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 27,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.

Prof. Harro Meijer
+31 50 3634760,
H.A.J.Meijer@rug.nl
CIO