PhD in Energy, Environment and Atmospheric Sciences (Project: Aerosol Precursor Molecules and Clusters; the Role of Base Molecules in Aerosol Formation)
This project is closed
The Cyprus Institute (CyI) is a non-profit research and educational institution with a strong scientific and technological orientation, emphasizing international collaborations, cross-disciplinary research, innovation, and post graduate education. CyI, through its established research centres, addresses challenging issues that are important at both the regional and international levels. Many of its research activities are being carried out in partnership with leading institutions in the respective thematic areas.
The position offers excellent possibilities for professional development of highly motivated individuals in the framework of the EU-H2020 “EMME-CARE” (Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Climate and Atmosphere Research Centre; http://emme-care.cyi.ac.cy/; TEAMING Grant no. 856612), within which the Cyprus Institute established a “Centre of Excellence” in Climate and Atmosphere research for the EMME region in cooperation with EU Advanced Partners (Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Germany; University of Helsinki in Finland; and CEA in France).
The successful applicant will be based at the Graduate School of The Cyprus Institute and at the Climate and Atmosphere Research Centre. The selected person will be enrolled in the PhD program: Energy, Environment and Atmospheric Sciences.
Description of the Position
The successful candidate will advance the CARE-C’s research and innovation agenda in its scientific focus of Environmental Observations area through experimental research of reactive trace gases and aerosols, particularly on aerosol precursor molecules and clusters. A newly acquired Multi-scheme chemical ionization – Time-of-Flight – Mass Spectrometer (MION-APi-TOF) will be used to monitor atmospheric base compounds, their oxidation chemistries, reaction products and role in new particle formation as cluster stabilizing compounds. The objectives of this Ph.D. project are
- to develop suitable methodologies to measure sub-pptv mixing rations of NH3 and amines, their oxidation products and clusters.
- To study the ambient concentrations of base molecules in different environmental conditions (urban, forested, remote, free troposphere)
- To simulate the obtained ambient results in laboratory experiments.
The successful candidate will operate the MION-APi-TOF at the Cyprus Atmospheric Observatory (CAO) at Troodos and participate in international field campaigns and laboratory experiments.
- Your responsibilities are to operate the MION-APi-TOF in the laboratory and the field and to develop ionization chemistries and calibration procedures to measure ammonia and amines reliably with low detection limits. The data produced is the core for your Ph.D. and you will be processing it using; Matlab or Igor based software (tofTools or Tofware). Your activities are to actively participate in research related to the atmospheric chemistry implications of aerosol precursor and communicate the research output and implications at different levels of academic meetings and scientific conferences. We appreciate active regional and international networking and support participating in educational programs of the Institute and training of our new research and technical staff.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Atmospheric Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or related field.
- Basic knowledge of environmental physics and chemistry.
- Excellent knowledge of the English language, both verbal and writing.
- Basic knowledge of programming (e.g. Matlab, R, Python).
- Independent and proactive thinking.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills.
- High interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.
Preferred Skills
- Research experience on mass spectrometers and aerosol instrumentation.
- Publication record.
- Driving licence.
Financial Support
The successful candidate will be employed as Graduate Research Assistant or receive a stipend in accordance with the current regulations at the Graduate School. We offer competitive financial support with the exact salary / stipend level to will be confirmed upon appointment.
Application Process
Applicants should refer to the CyI website under the PhD in Energy, Environment and Atmospheric Sciences Admissions section for additional information about the application process.
Kindly note that applications should be sent through the online application system of The Cyprus Institute Graduate School. When applying through the online application, in Step 2 of the application under the section ‘Scholarship or Financial Aid’, applicants should select ‘Specific PhD Project’ and they should enter the project reference code: GS-EAS-EMME-21-9 in the Project Code field. Applicants should also mention in their statement of intent that they are applying for the PhD position with reference code: GS-EAS-EMME-21-9. If the code is not entered in the online application, the applicant may not be considered for this position.
Application Deadline
| Entry | Deadlines | Eligibility |
| Fall 2022 | Early Deadline: December 20, 2021 | For all applicants |
| Fall 2022 | Regular Deadline: April 1, 2022 | For all applicants |
| Fall 2022 | Late Deadline: July 3, 2022 | For applicants who do not require a student visa |
Contact Information
For further information, please contact Assistant Professor Dr. Tuija Jokinen (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). For more information about postgraduate studies at The Cyprus Institute and admission requirements, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies of The Cyprus Institute at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at tel: +357 22208614.
