PhD position in atmospheric sciences

100% / February 2027 or later

The Atmospheric Sciences group at the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Switzerland, is looking for a PhD student candidate. One of our research projects focuses on novel photocatalytic processes for CO2 reduction. Our approach involved the production of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles via the aerosol phase (as opposed to liquid phase synthesis method usually applied). Aerosol-phase nanoparticle synthesis is completely solvent-free and allows to generate particles down to 1 nm in diameter and to modify particle properties such as crystal structure, doping and mixing to adjust and optimise photocatalytic processes.

Your position

A PhD studentship is available to generate metal nanoparticles with various composition in the gas phase and to thoroughly characterize them with various analytical techniques such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and optical methods such as UV-Vis and IR (see for example: Gfeller et al., Aerosol Res., 3, 351–369, 2025). In addition, the particles will be characterized by their photocatalytic activity. In addition, structural and compositional aspects of the nanoparticles will be optimized. The focus of the photocatalytic process will be on CO2 reduction in CO, methane and other products but also other reactions might be investigated with our novel nanoparticle generation methodology using chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques.

Your profile

• An academic qualification (master’s degree) in chemistry, physics, environmental sciences, or a related field is mandatory
• Experience in catalysis and/or surface science is highly favourable
• A very good level of English (spoken and written)
• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to collaborate with other team members are essential
• Strong self-motivation, perseverance, and a creative way of problem solving
• Ability to work independently

We offer you

• A fully funded PhD position (4 years) in the Atmospheric Sciences research group at the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Basel, Switzerland.
• A motivated, interdisciplinary team that will support your ideas, research and career in a stimulating, welcoming and multicultural environment.
• A well-equipped, modern lab at a top research university. University of Basel has an international reputation of outstanding achievements in research and teaching. It offers excellent support to PhD students in the early stage of their career and for their career advancement.
• Salary and social benefits are provided according to Swiss standards and University of Basel rules (https://www.unibas.ch/en/Working-at-the-University-of-Basel/Salary-Insurance.html).

Application / Contact

• Please submit your complete application documents, including a letter stating your motivation, experience and skills, a CV, and contact details of two references via our online recruiting platform
• For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Markus Kalberer (markus.kalberer@unibas.ch).
• Applications will be reviewed from 1st December 2026, but the advert will remain open until the position is filled. Starting date is subject to agreement
• You can find out more about us at https://duw.unibas.ch/en/research-groups/atmospheric-sciences/

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