This appointment is in the area of mass spectrometer miniaturization, with emphasis on the detailed trapping behavior of the Paul ion trap with regard to external ion injection, and ion ejection. Work will be carried out in modeling space-charge effects and measurement of accurate rare-gas isotope ratios with 103-105 trapped ions using the JPL supercomputer. This work is expected to lead to the development of miniature mass spectrometer systems for human and robotic planetary exploration.
The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to work in the area of fast (0.5-50 eV), ground-state H- and O-atom collisions with surface-adsorbed molecules. The goals of this work are to measure the reaction channels that are open towards generating larger molecules (understanding the building blocks of life); and to measure absolute reaction yields for each channel.
Candidates should have a recent PhD in collision physics with a background in working with HCIs, low-energy electrons, and ultrahigh vacuum. Knowledge of electronics and computer interfacing is also highly desirable. Applicants must be approved by Dr. Chutjian prior to submitting an official application to the Caltech Postdoctoral Scholar Program. To be an approved applicant, please send your research proposal, curriculum vitae, a list of three references (with telephone numbers and postal and email addresses) and any questions by October 1, 2009 to the address given in APPOINTMENT 1 above. The final application deadline is November 2, 2009.
A. Chutjian
(818) 354-7012
(818) 393-1899
ara.chutjian@jpl.nasa.gov
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
MS 121-114
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena, CA 91109
http://science.jpl.nasa.gov/Astrophysics/Atomic/index.cfm
