The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Professional Specialist to design and develop a Stratospheric Aerosol Chamber. The specialist will be appointed at the rank of Associate Professional Specialist or Professional Specialist, depending on qualifications and experience.

This is a 3-year term position, supported by a 3-year Simons Foundation Grant to Profs. Luc Deike (MAE/HMEI) and Marissa Weichman (Chemistry) as part of the Simons Foundation International Collaboration on Solar Radiation Management.

The ideal candidate should possess substantial expertise in atmospheric aerosol sciences, in particular stratospheric aerosols, aerosol chemistry, and solar radiation management, together with expertise in experimental design and low-temperature experimental techniques.

The candidate will be tasked to design and develop a stratospheric conditions aerosol chamber, able to conduct long-time interrogation of suspended aerosols. The chief goals of this facility will be to address open questions surrounding stratospheric processing of particles, including aerosol aging, aggregation, and transport, as well as absorption and reflection of sunlight and terrestrial infrared radiation. The designed facility should be able to operate in conditions relevant to stratospheric processing of aerosols, in terms of pressure and temperature, and maintain such conditions over an extended period of time. Expertise in working, operating, and designing low- temperature (down to -80 to -90 oC) and low-pressure conditions would be ideal, together with a strong motivation to develop a novel experimental platform. The candidate will also be responsible for collaborating with other members of the collaborative initiative, including on optical diagnostics to probe aerosol properties in-situ.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship of an H-1B visa requiring consular processing.

Responsibilities:

Research Design (85-90%)

• Design the stratospheric aerosol chamber able to study aerosol processes in stratospheric conditions.

• Interact with other members of the collaboration and with experts in large scale cloud and aerosol chamber to design the aerosol chamber.

• Identify, purchase, and install aerosol and aerosol chemistry instrumentation for the facility.

• Coordinate with other members of Deike and Weichman groups on optical analysis implementation.

• Demonstrate proof of concept of the facility, lead initial scientific reporting on the facility (conferences and publications).

• Contribute to grant applications, fundraising proposals, and reporting.

Administrative and Development Support (10-15%)

• Assist with budget planning and financial oversight.

• Ensure the effective operation of the laboratory where the chamber is housed, including the management of safety protocols, equipment, and resources.

Essential Qualifications:

• A PhD’s degree in natural sciences, atmospheric sciences, chemistry, chemical engineering, climate science, or a related field is required.

• In-depth knowledge of aerosol sciences, atmospheric/aerosol chemistry, in-situ diagnostics, or solar radiation management

• Proven research experience in above mentioned fields with publication track record.

• Strong organizational and communication skills to effectively manage a collaborative laboratory space.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of research experience involving aerosol sciences, atmospheric/aerosol chemistry, in-situ diagnostics, or solar radiation management is recommended.

• Expertise in aerosol diagnostics.

• Expertise in low-temperature instrumentation.

Applicants must apply by submitting a CV, a cover letter, a research statement including your interest, summarizing your past research achievements, and a personal statement explaining interest in developing such a facility. Candidates should also provide contact information of 3 referees for letter of recommendations.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University. This position is subject to the University's background check policy.