Project 1: Development of a High-frequency Electrostatic Gating System for a Next-Generation Ion Mass Spectrometer towards the Saturnian system
The PhD position focusses on the development of a crucial part of a next-generation ion mass spectrometer for a future ESA mission to Saturn’s moon Enceladus. The goal is to improve upon an existing instrument design to achieve much faster and more precise measurements, enabling the high-resolution analysis of complex molecules in the moon’s plume.
The successful candidate will be part of Dr. Gabriel Giono’s research group Onboard Computing in close collaboration with Dr. Ali Varsani at the IWF, and will be embedded in the Young Researcher Program for interdisciplinary Space Science and Planetary research.
Tasks and requirements
- Review the design of the PICAM electrostatic gate design and understand its limitation.
- Develop an ultra-fast electrostatic gate system, including theoretical analogue electronics calculation, mechanical consideration for impedance control, and simulation (e.g., LTSpice) to predicts the design’s performances.
- Develop the driver electronics (i.e., schematics, layout, firmware application), in collaboration with senior engineers of the research group.
- Prototyping and laboratory tests to evaluate the design performance.
- Publication in peer-reviewed journals, and presentation in national and international conferences.
The candidate is expected to have a Master degree in Electrical Engineering. Expertise in analogue and digital electronics are expected. Programming experience in C, Python, and/or other languages for embedded system are also recommended. Teamwork skills, a self- driven research attitude, and scientific curiosity are important.
Project 2: Atmospheric modelling of N2-dominated atmospheres on rocky (exo)planets affected by high-energetic events
This project investigates the stability of nitrogen-dominated atmospheres on Earth-like exoplanets by combining laboratory experiments with advanced computer modeling to study how high-energy events cause atmospheric loss. The PhD student will specifically focus on the modeling aspect, using and adapting computational codes to simulate the impact of these processes on a planet’s atmospheric evolution, stability, and detectability.
The successful candidate will be part of Doz. Dr. Peter Woitke’s research group Planet-Forming Disks and Astrochemistry and Doz. Dr. Helmut Lammer ‘s research group Solar System Planetary Physics at the IWF, and will be embedded in the Young Researcher Program for interdisciplinary Space Science and Planetary research.
Tasks and requirements
- Adaptation and application of our hot particle Monte Carlo code to early Earth and Earth-like exoplanets.
- Investigation of NOx formation driven by XUV radiation, suprathermal atoms, lightning, and impact-related processes.
- Integration of laboratory-derived and modelling-based N2 fixation and atmospheric loss rates into our atmospheric evolution model.
- Parameter studies covering different atmospheric compositions, pressures, stellar activity levels, and planetary conditions.
- Contribution to spectral/detectability studies of nitrogen-bearing molecules in rocky exoplanet atmospheres.
- Collaboration with in-house, national, and international project partners.
- Preparation of peer-reviewed scientific publications and presentation of results at national and international conferences.
The candidate is expected to have a master’s degree in physics, Astronomy, or Earth/Planetary Sciences. Programming experience in FORTRAN-90, Python, or other computer languages is recommended. Teamwork skills, a self- driven research attitude, and scientific curiosity are important.
Application
The application process for 2026 will close at October 31st, 23:59 (CET). After that, no application will be accepted.
The application process has two stages. Stage 1 is an anonymised application form. This round aims to identify potential candidates that fit the offered positions based on their academic and scientific excellence. From the applications submitted, we will compile a list of candidates who will proceed to stage 2 and who will be invited for an online interview.
No formalities are required for stage 1, i.e. don’t send any documents via email. Only for stage 2, we will contact you via email to request two reference letters, a transcript of records, a confirmation of study periods, and diploma certificate(s) if available.
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