Author: plfinkel

Two PhD positions at Justus Liebig University – Giessen, Germany

Position 1: Experimental Space Physics and Astrochemistry

OREOcube and Exocube are experiments selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) for the ExoBio platform on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS). The experiments investigate organic molecules, potential biosignatures and biological systems under real space conditions. They combine time-resolved in-situ measurements on the ISS with synchronized Ground Reference Experiments (GREM) and detailed post-flight analyses. OREOcube primarily uses UV-Vis spectroscopy, while Exocube additionally employs infrared spectroscopy and complementary analytical approaches. Their combined scientific investigation enables the study of photochemical, radiation-induced and molecular changes under space conditions.

Tasks

  • Preparation and physicochemical characterization of organic and mineral samples within OREOcube and Exocube 
  • Scientific testing and verification and participation in flight-sample integration 
  • Preparation and performance of Ground Reference Experiments (GREM) 
  • Analysis and scientific interpretation of UV-Vis and IR/FTIR spectroscopic data from ISS in-situ measurements, Ground Reference Experiments and complementary laboratory studies 
  • Post-flight analysis of returned samples 
  • Scientific documentation of results and preparation of publications, presentations and project reports 
  • Collaboration with international scientific partners as well as ESA, DLR and industrial partners 

Qualifications

  • Completed Master’s or equivalent university degree in physics, astrophysics, physical chemistry or a related natural-science discipline 
  • Experience in experimental laboratory work and scientific data analysis 
  • Knowledge of optical and vibrational spectroscopy, particularly UV-Vis and/or IR/FTIR spectroscopy, is an advantage 
  • Programming and data-analysis skills, e.g. in Python, MATLAB or comparable environments, are an advantage 
  • Very good command of English 
  • Ability to work independently, systematically and carefully 
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills and an interest in interdisciplinary and international collaboration 
  • Willingness to learn new experimental and analytical methods 

Position 2: Experimental Space Biology and Biophysics

Exocube is an experiment selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) for the ExoBio platform on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS). The experiment investigates biological and molecular systems under real space and radiation conditions. A major focus is the characterization of activation, growth, stress responses and survival of selected microorganisms. Microfluidic systems for controlled rehydration, activation and fixation of biological samples are combined with in-situ fluorescence and absorbance measurements. The ISS measurements are complemented by synchronized Ground Reference Experiments (GREM) and microbiological, biophysical and additional analytical post-flight studies.

Tasks

  • Cultivation, preparation and characterization of microbial and biological samples within Exocube 
  • Scientific testing and verification and participation in flight-sample integration 
  • Preparation and performance of microfluidic experiments and Ground Reference Experiments (GREM) 
  • Analysis and scientific interpretation of fluorescence, absorbance and other in-situ data acquired during the ISS mission 
  • Microbiological, biophysical and complementary analytical post-flight studies of returned samples 
  • Scientific documentation of results and preparation of publications, presentations and project reports 
  • Collaboration with international scientific partners as well as ESA, DLR and industrial partners.

Qualifications

  • Completed Master’s or equivalent university degree in biology, microbiology, biophysics, biotechnology or a related natural-science discipline 
  • Experience in experimental laboratory work with biological or microbial samples 
  • Good knowledge of microbiological methods and practical experience in the cultivation of microorganisms
  • Experience with fluorescence, absorbance or comparable optical measurement techniques
  • Experience with microfluidic systems or biological stress and exposure experiments is an advantage
  • Experience in scientific data analysis; programming skills, e.g. in Python, MATLAB or comparable environments, are an advantage 
  • Very good command of English 
  • Ability to work independently, systematically and carefully 
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills and an interest in interdisciplinary and international collaboration 
  • Willingness to learn new experimental and analytical methods  

Application

The application deadline for both positions will close on November 3rd, 23:59.

Click on the following links for details on Position 1 and Position 2.

Two PhD positions in the Space Research Institute – Graz

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.

See details for both projects here.

Apply to stage 1 via this link.

Life and Space 2026

International online conference by the Polish Astrobiology Society

Registration opens on October 1st, 2026
Life and Space 2026 will bring together researchers, students, educators, and science enthusiasts working across the many disciplines contributing to astrobiology. The conference will cover the following broad thematic areas:

  • Origin, Evolution and Diversification of Life
  • Planetary Exploration and the Search for Life
  • Space Biotechnology and Human Exploration
  • Artificial Intelligence and Digital Astrobiology
  • Space, Society and Education
  • Interdisciplinary Astrobiology

The conference will be held entirely online, and registration will open on October 1, 2026. The participation fee is 25 USD. More information is available at:

https://astrobio.pl/LAS26/

Stay tuned for updates and we hope to see you there!

Postdoctoral position on Extraterrestrial Organic Geochemistry

Announcement for a postdoctoral research associate to join the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Brown University (Providence, RI, USA) to work on a NASA Solar System Science funded project. The research includes analyses of a full range of simple and complex organic compounds in extraterrestrial samples (carbonaceous meteorites, pristine asteroid samples) using GC/HPLC/UPLC chromatography and quadrupole/high resolution orbitrap mass spectrometry techniques, as well as construction of an interactive GCMS and chromatography database for organic compounds in extraterrestrial samples. Carbonaceous asteroids and meteorites contain a full suite of Cosmo-chemically or abiotically synthesized organic compounds including over 70 amino acids, peptides, numerous nuclear bases (including ones used in DNA and RNA), simple and complex sugars, carboxylic acids, hydroxyl acids, hydrocarbons, S- and N- containing organic compounds. These compounds have been hypothesized to have seeded life on Earth. Comprehensive analyses of these compounds require state-of-the-art organic analytical methods, particularly advanced chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques.

The candidate should have a strong background in analyzing organic compounds using various GC, HPLC/UPLC, and mass spectrometry techniques, with a Ph.D. in one of the following areas including chromatography and Mass spectrometry (including any application fields such as chemistry, natural products, biochemistry, environmental science, biomedical research), Organic Geochemistry (preferably related to planetary science or astrobiology), Astrobiology, cosmo-organic chemistry. Past research experience in meteorite and asteroid research is valuable but not absolutely required. The ideal candidate should also have significant experience in computational mass spectrometry and chromatography, and strong motivation in applying artificial intelligence in analyzing complex organic assemblages and discovery of new proxies for various Cosmo-organic chemical processes. Strong interest in studying cosmo-organic chemistry and/or origin of life topics is important. The postdoctoral research associate will work with Prof. Yongsong Huang, in collaboration with Dr. Philipp Heck at Field Museum of Natural History (University of Chicago).

A wide range of chromatography and mass spectrometry instrumentation is available for analyzing extraterrestrial organic compounds at Brown. These include GCFID, GCMS, HPLCMS, GC-isotope ratio-MS, and a newly acquired state-of-the-art UPLC-orbitrap mass spectrometer (Thermo Exploris 240). The postdoc will have access to all these instruments. This position is funded for three years. The position can start as early as October 1, 2026.

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, a summary of research accomplishments and career objectives. Inquiries regarding this position and all application materials should be sent directly to Yongsong_Huang@brown.edu. Review of applications will continue till the position is filled.

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law. For this position, Brown offers only the J-1 visa classification to scholars who need immigration sponsorship in order to enter the U.S. and commence lawful employment under the terms of their appointment.

PhD position in Origin of Life

About the project

We are seeking a full-time PhD student to join the Environmental Fluid Mechanics laboratory at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), led by Professor Pietro de Anna, at the Institute of Earth Science; and the Laboratory of Statistical Biophysics at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), led by Professor Paolo De Los Rios, at the Institute of Physics. This post is fully funded by the Swiss National Science foundation (NCCR Genesis).

Job information

Expected start date in position : Fall 2026 or upon mutual agreement

Contract length : 1 year + 2 + 1,  maximum 4 years

Activity rate : 100 %

Workplace : Lausanne Dorigny – Géopolis

Responsibilities and qualifications

The successful candidate will work on a PhD thesis on chemical reaction networks in controlled and structured environments. This will be achieved by developing novel microfluidics devices to understand how non-equilibrium and non-homogeneous environments influence the network kinetics and the consequent abundance of reaction products. The physical and chemical properties will be tuned independently. Using pumps, pressure controllers and time-lapse video-microscopy, flow experiments through microfluidics structures will be performed to quantify the local reaction kinetics. Experimental results will be compared with theoretical models based on reaction-diffusion equations. The candidate will be trained in cutting-edge microfluidics and numerical models. The research work will involve collaborations with a suite of international colleagues across Europe and the US. Most of the PhD student’s time will be dedicated to research, but contributing to some teaching activities can be discussed, including the additional possibility of supervising master students.

Expected qualifications are a Master degree (or be near completion) in Physics or Mechanical Engineering or Civil & Environmental Engineering or Chemical Physics/Physical Chemistry or related discipline with a good understanding of at least one of the following topics: i) chemical physics, ii) statistical mechanics, iii) transport phenomena (dispersion, mixing and reactive transport), iv) microfluidics and video-microscopy. Written and spoken English are required, but working knowledge of French (the local language in Lausanne) is not necessary. Commitment to research based on experimental, numerical and modeling approaches.

Application

The application can only be officially sent through here.

The application deadline is August 31st, 2026.

Any questions can be directed to Prof. Pietro de Anna (pietro.deanna@unil.ch) or Paolo De Los Rios (paolo.delosrios@epfl.ch)

AbGradE 2026 workshop ahead of EANA in Neuchâtel, Switzerland

Registration is now open!
AbGradE is back to action and will organise its signature event on August 31st, 2026 the day before the 26th European Astrobiology Network Association (EANA) conference on September 1-4. Both events will take place in person at the Space Exploration Institute in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

The topic is “Astrobiology Icy Moons Missions“, where participants will have an opportunity to design a mission/experimental concept relevant to the icy moons of our Solar System. These ideas will then be developed in writing during the second half of the workshop, which focuses on strengthening academic writing skills.

With the exploration of the Solar System’s icy moons entering an exciting new chapter, there has never been a better time to get involved. Join us to learn about the opportunities ahead, engage with experts in the field, and connect with fellow students and early-career researchers. Before EANA even begins, let AbGradE introduce you to the community that will accompany you on your scientific journey.

To register, please fill this form.

To receive more information, join our AbGradE emailing list, stay tuned to updates on this website, or follow us on or social media (X: @abgradeurope; Instagram: _abgrade_).

Hope to see you there!

18 PhD positions and 6 postdoc positions in Planetary Habitability

A new Collaborative Research Center (CRC) SFB 1759 on “Habitability as a fundamental planetary process: Towards a paradigm shift away from our perception of the uniqueness of Earth” funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) 
is being established at the Freie Universität Berlin, Germany, starting this Autumn on October 1, 2026.

We are currently hiring 18 Doctoral (75% E13 TV-L) and 6 Postdoctoral Researchers (100% E13 TV-L) within the SFB 1759 for the first funding period of the SFB 1759 (10/2026–06/3030). The starting dates are flexible but funding is limited to 30 June 2030. The regular working time for full (100%) employment is between 39.4 hours (for positions in Berlin) / 39.83 hours per week (Dresden and Bochum). Good English language skills (written and oral) are required. 

The participating institutions are equal opportunity employers and are committed to increasing the proportion of women academics. Consequently, we actively encourage applications by women. Female candidates with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered within the framework of the legal possibilities. We also welcome applications from candidates with severe disabilities. Disabled candidates with equivalent qualifications will be preferentially considered, although some restrictions related to accessing laboratory facilities may apply in some projects.

Applications should be written in English and include a cover letter, the names of three (postdoc positions) or two (doctoral positions) referees, CV, copies of degree certificates and transcripts, all combined into a single pdf (max. 10 MB). Positions may have different individual application deadlines, but review of all applications will begin 22 July 2026 and will continue until all positions have been filled.

Full details for each position can be found here. Please indicate which position(s) you are applying for via the reference codes that you can find in the link above and email your application to coord@sfb1759-planetary-habitability.de. Please also consider the more detailed description of the positions including necessary requirements posted on the institutional websites.

Postdoctoral position on survival of archaea in extreme salinity conditions

The METIS laboratory (Sorbonne Université, Paris) and the MCAM laboratory (National Museum of Natural History, Paris) have an opening for a post-doctoral fellowship focused on the lipid adaptation of halophilic archaea and their preservation in salt crystals. The 18 month position will start as soon as it is filled and before December 2026.

Halophilic microorganisms, living in conditions of extreme salinity, could survive for up to several hundred million years in halite (NaCl) crystals formed after salt evaporation. The study of halophilic microorganisms and associated biomolecules is therefore of interest for the search for traces of past and present life on Earth and other planets. The survival of these microorganisms, such as the archaea Halobacterium salinarum considered here as our study model, requires the development of specific adaptive mechanisms, notably involving membrane lipids. However, currently, there is little information on the membrane adaptation of H. salinarum upon inclusion within halite.

The objective of this project will be to develop an innovative cold plasma treatment process for halites to eliminate interfering organic compounds potentially present at the surface of the crystals, and to ensure that the lipids studied are those corresponding solely to H. salinarum cells. This development is a prerequisite for the reliable study of the adaptation mechanisms of the H. salinarum lipidome during the formation of halites. We will then seek to evaluate the role of glycerol and its involvement in the survival of H. salinarum under extreme salinity conditions. This key molecule, produced and released by microalgae present in the same ecosystems as H. salinarum, could help the latter to survive in hypersaline conditions.

To investigate the mechanisms and conditions of glycerol assimilation by H. salinarum during halite formation, we will conduct novel isotopic labeling experiments with 13C-labeled glycerol. Our interdisciplinary project, at the interface of microbiology, geochemistry, and plasma physics, will provide key methodological and mechanistic insights into the preservation of lipid biosignatures in halite.

Required qualifications:

  • PhD in microbiology and/or analytical and organic chemistry,with demonstrated skills.
  • Basic knowledge and interest in both microbiology and organic chemistry.
  • Interest in environmental sciences.
  • Demonstrated record of presenting and publishing research results

Need more details?
Everything you need to know for you application can be found here.

Applications should include a detailed CV and cover letter before July 10th 2026.

Postdoctoral position on asteroid studies at The Open University

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the ICARUS project: Investigating Changes in Asteroid Regolith and Understanding Solar-driven Volatile Release in Near-Sun Asteroids. 

This role focuses on experimental petrology and high-resolution geochemical analysis to investigate how intense solar heating drives gas release and surface evolution in active near-Sun asteroids, with particular emphasis on asteroid [3200] Phaethon. The project combines cyclic heating experiments on meteorites with advanced analytical techniques, including SEM, Raman, near-IR spectroscopy, and impact ionisation mass spectrometry, to generate the essential ground-truth datasets required to interpret in-situ measurements from the DESTINY+ mission.

The successful candidate will lead laboratory-based research, contributing to experimental design, data acquisition, quantitative analysis, and interpretation, collaborating with international partners in Germany and Japan. This is primarily a research role with scope for limited teaching in line with institutional policy.

The successful candidate will be line managed by Dr Martin D. Suttle who serves as PI on the ICARUS project. 

Essential skills:

  • PhD (or submitted PhD thesis) in planetary science, geochemistry, meteoritics, experimental petrology, physics or a closely related field.
  • Strong laboratory-based analytical skills in mass spectrometry complemented by proficiency in at least three of the following techniques: SEM, EMPA, Raman spectroscopy, near-IR spectroscopy, TGA, XRD, and/or TEM. Ideally applied to the study of meteorite or planetary analogue materials.
  • Proven ability to design, execute, and interpret complex laboratory experiments independently.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including a track record of publishing research in high-impact journals as lead author.
  • Willingness and ability to travel internationally for collaborative work and conferences. 

Need more details?
Everything you need to know for you application can be found here.

Application deadline is on Wednesday June 24th 2026.

AbGradEPEC 2026

The Europlanet Early-Career (EPEC) Network and Astrobiology Graduates in Europe (AbGradE) are thrilled to announce the latest event in our long-standing series of collaborations! 

This year, we invite you to the AbGradEPEC’26 joint meeting, which will take place before EPSC 2026 on Sunday 6th September in The Hague, Netherlands! 

AbGradEPEC’26 will kick off with a relaxed “speed science-ing” icebreaker, where attendees meet in small, rotating groups, giving everyone the chance to connect and engage with a variety of participants in an informal setting.

At the heart of AbGradEPEC’26 is an early-career symposium, offering participants a welcoming and informal space to share their current research and exchange ideas with fellow attendees.

Registration and abstract submission are now open. To join the event, please fill this registration form.