Missions

The candidate will conduct laboratory astrophysics activities as part of the ANR GROWNANO project, which involves three laboratories in Toulouse: LCPQ, IRAP and LAPLACE. He/she will contribute to the experimental part of the project under the supervision of Christine Joblin at IRAP (University of Toulouse/CNRS) and Kremena Makasheva at LAPLACE (University of Toulouse/CNRS). The aim is to study the impact of iron on the formation of stardust analogues and to better understand the origin of large cosmic carbon molecules.

Activités

The aim will be to produce analogues of stardust in cold plasmas containing the elements abundant in stars (C, O, H, Si and Fe) in order to assess the impact of the C/O ratio on the products formed. A detailed inventory of the content of large carbon molecules such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons will be carried out using the AROMA molecular analyser. In addition, the different steps of dust formation in plasma will be studied using in situ and ex situ techniques. The molecular processes of chemical reactivity will be investigated in the gas phase using the PIRENEA and PIRENEA2 cryogenic astrophysics laboratory setups.

Compétences

We are seeking a candidate with a PhD and training in experimental physics and physical chemistry. Experience in mass spectrometry, ion optics, and atomic and molecular spectroscopy is expected. Scientific programming skills are also required. The candidate must demonstrate an interest in working in a multidisciplinary research environment at the interface between molecular physics, plasma physics and laboratory astrophysics. The candidate must be independent, dynamic and rigorous. The candidate is also required to have good communication skills in English and French and to be able to report on the performed work through presentations, reports and scientific publications.

Contexte de travail

The experimental work will be carried out at various sites in Toulouse: LAPLACE (UMR 5213) for plasma experiments and nanoparticle analysis, IRAP (UMR 5277) for molecular analysis and laboratory astrophysics activities.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

PIRENEA and PIRENEA 2 are experimental physics setups that operate in the presence of electro-magnetic radiation and lasers.

Informations complémentaires

To apply, please provide a CV, a motivation letter as well as the contact details of three referents.