A stimulating opportunity for a postdoctoral research position (F/M) up to two-year is available at the ASTRO Team of the PIIM laboratory of CNRS/Aix-Marseille University to perform space weathering experiments on solar system analogs.

The project is part of French Research National Agency grant, ORGAMISS project. The project intends to question the fate of organic matter in mineral matrices at the surface of airless bodies through irradiation experiments, and define biases for the detection of OM in solar system bodies, especially asteroids and Mars. The experiments will be performed in collaboration between different laboratories in France (PIIM, IAS, LISA) and will be analyzed mainly with infrared spectroscopy for direct comparison with extraterrestrial samples and remote observations. This experimental work is to tackle some of the most intriguing questions around organic matter: its preservation or destruction favoured by specific conditions (type of irradiation) with minerals on the surface of extraterrestrial bodies. The goal of the project is to create a database of samples that could be used for space mission data.

The preferred candidate will have a PhD (or close to completion) in astrochemistry, planetary sciences, chemistry or a closely related field, with knowledge and familiarity in spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV, Raman) and experimental works. The candidate will join a vibrant astrochemistry research group within the PIIM laboratory (ASTRO team) in Marseille, France.

Review of applications will begin on 18/11/2024 until the position is filled. Please send a CV, a description of research interests, a publication list, and email addresses of 2-3 referees as a single PDF file- to Vassilissa Vinogradoff. The starting date is expected to be January-February 2025.

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