Category: Job Positions

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)

PhD in Experimental Microbial Ecology (deadline extended)

About the project

This PhD project will develop controlled experimental systems to investigate top-down and bottom-up ecological strategies that directly shape the biosignatures of sulfur-cycling bacteria in low-oxygen environments. The main focus will be on virus–host interactions in purple (PSB) and green (GSB) sulfur bacteria related to the microbial anoxic communities of meromictic Lake Cadagno. The work will combine laboratory-based experiments at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) and at Scuola universitaria professionale della Svizzera italiana (SUPSI, Mendrisio) with field observations in stratified aquatic environments (e.g., meromictic lakes), particularly during June-October.

The candidate will generate the empirical foundation needed to quantify how viral perturbations affect microbial metabolism and biogeochemical outputs.

Job information

Expected start date in position : fall 2026 or upon agreement

Contract length : 4 years (1+2+1)

Activity rate : 100%                     

Workplace : Géopolis building, Institute of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences and Environment, University of Lausanne

Responsibilities and qualifications

The successful candidate will investigate virus–host interactions in anoxygenic phototrophic sulfur bacteria through a combination of field, laboratory, and molecular approaches. The project will involve monitoring and isolating viruses from natural environments, performing infection experiments with different anoxygenic phototrophic sulfur bacteria, and conducting anaerobic microbiology experiments under controlled redox conditions using systems such as microfluidics and mesocosms. The candidate will characterize microbial responses using flow cytometry, viability assays (e.g., live/dead staining), microscopy, and spatial analyses, while developing molecular workflows including qPCR quantification, RNA extraction, and transcriptomic sample preparation. The position also includes organizing and participating in field monitoring campaigns at Lake Cadagno (Ticino, Switzerland) and working closely with computational collaborators to integrate experimental and multi-omics data into a comprehensive understanding of virus-driven microbial processes.

We are looking for a motivated candidate with a strong interest in environmental microbiology and geomicrobiology. A master’s (or equivalent) degree in microbiology, environmental sciences, biology, or a related field is preferred. We encourage candidates with an interest in microbial ecology and biogeochemistry and a motivation for fieldwork in lake environments to apply.

Application

The application can only be officially sent through here, and should include:

  • Your CV including academic background, previous research/publications and/or industrial experiences as well as the names and contact details of 2-3 referees
  • A cover letter outlining your research motivation and interests (max. 1 page)
  • Copy of your diplomas

The application deadline is August 20th, 2026.

Contact information: alice.boscosantos@unil.ch

PhD in Quantitative Microbial Biosignatures and Statistical Biophysics (deadline extended)

About the project
The Institute of Earth Sciences (ISTE) at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) invites applications for a PhD position in computational biosignatures and quantitative modeling within the framework of the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Genesis. The successful candidate will work under the joint supervision of Alice Bosco Santos (UNIL) and Paolo De Los Rios at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).


This PhD project aims to quantify how viral perturbations of microbial metabolism translate into measurable biosignatures in low-oxygen environments. Focusing on sulfur-cycling microbial communities (e.g., purple sulfur bacteria and associated viruses), the project will combine bioinformatics, quantitative modeling, and experimental data integration to identify key metabolic control points targeted by viruses and evaluate how their perturbation propagates through microbial and biogeochemical systems, producing detectable shifts in biosignatures (e.g., isotopic fractionation, pigment production).

Job information

Expected start date in position : fall 2026 or upon agreement

Contract length : 4 years (1+2+1)

Activity rate : 100%                     

Workplace : Institute of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences and Environment, University of Lausanne

Responsibilities and qualifications

The successful candidate will analyse multi-omics datasets, including metagenomes, metatranscriptomes, viromes, and viral auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs), to investigate how viral infections reshape microbial metabolism. The project will involve identifying metabolic pathways (KEGG pathways) and rate-limiting reactions targeted by viruses, integrating these data into quantitative models that simulate microbial metabolic networks, quantify the impact of viral perturbations, and estimate the thresholds at which viral activity produces detectable biosignature shifts. The candidate will contribute to the interpretation of carbon and sulfur cycling in natural environments, participate in field campaigns to gain familiarity with the studied ecosystems, and have the opportunity to take part in laboratory experiments, such as gene expression analyses, to validate and parameterize the quantitative models.

We are looking for a motivated candidate interested in the intersection of biology, physics, and Earth sciences, with a strong inclination toward computational approaches. You must have a MSc (or equivalent) in bioinformatics, computational biology, physics, environmental sciences, or a related field. Have a strong interest in quantitative analysis and modeling, programming skills, and the ability to work at the interface of disciplines. We are looking for a candidate that has interest in linking models to experimental data.

We are committed to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive research environment. We particularly encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in science, including those from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and those who have followed non-traditional academic paths. We believe that diversity strengthens our science and actively seek to build an inclusive and supportive team.

Application

The application can only be officially sent through here, and should include:

  • Your CV including academic background, previous research/publications and/or industrial experiences as well as the names and contact details of 2-3 referees
  • A cover letter outlining your research motivation and interests (max. 1 page)
  • Copy of your diplomas

The application deadline is August 20th, 2026.

Contact information: alice.boscosantos@unil.ch

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.

15 PhD positions in Planetary Exploration

Are you passionate about planetary exploration? Do you want to contribute to a flagship ESA Astrobiology mission? Would you like to join the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Mission science team in the search for life on Mars? This is a unique opportunity to launch your career in planetary science and space research.

15 PhD positions of the EXODOCS Doctoral Network are published on EURAXESS: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/432752

These positions are distributed across leading European institutions in planetary science and space research, offering cutting-edge training and direct involvement in ExoMars-related science and operations.

Application deadline: 31 May 2026

www.exodocs.eu

List of Doctoral Candidate (DC) positions:

  • DC1: Optimizing the Scientific Return of Close-Up Cameras for Mars Exploration (Technical University of Munich, Germany);
  • DC2: Automated Analysis of Martian Surface Clasts and Regolith Using Imaging Instruments (Open University, United Kingdom);
  • DC3: Optimizing Mineral Identification Using Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) spectrometry (University College London, United Kingdom);
  • DC4: Multi-Scale Target Prediction for Mars Exploration Using AI Methods (German Aerospace Center, Germany)
  • DC5*: 3D Mapping of the Surface and Subsurface Using WISDOM (GPR) (University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France);
  • DC6: Comparative Analysis and Optimization of Spectrometers for Mars Exploration (Universidad de Valladolid, Spain);
  • DC7: Monitoring the dehydration of drill tailings from Martian subsurface sampling (University College London, United Kingdom);
  • DC8**: Monitoring the alteration of drill cores from Martian subsurface sampling (LSU, Italy);
  • DC9*: Developing Quantification Methods for Mineral Analysis Using Raman and NIR Spectroscopies (Université Paris-Saclay, France);
  • DC10: Developing a Polarimetric Radargram Library for Subsurface Analysis with GPR (Technische Universität Dresden, Germany);
  • DC11: Optimization of GC-MS procedures for Organic Detection on Mars (University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France);
  • DC12: Novel solutions to Discriminate Biominerals from Abiotic Equivalents (Université Paris Cité, France);
  • DC13**: Developing Spectral Analysis Tools for Trace Organic Detection and Biosignature recognition in Geological Mixtures (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy);
  • DC14: Investigating Organic-Mineral Interactions for Biosignature Detection Using Spectroscopic Techniques (Universidad de Valladolid, Spain);
  • DC15: Enhancing Cooperative Spectroscopic Analysis for Biosignature Detection on Mars (Université Paris-Saclay, France);

* The candidate will be hired by UVSQ, but the PhD degree will be awarded by UPS.
** The candidate will be hired by LSU, while INAF (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica, Rome) will act as the hosting institute.

PhD in Geographical and Earth Sciences, and Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow

Project name: There are GIANTs (Glorious Incandescent Anthropogenic and Natural Transients) in the sky

The aim of this research project is to leverage the rich and diverse data set of all sky images generated nightly by the UK Fireball Alliance network of cameras. These data will be mined to develop new mathematical approaches to model the bright flight of fireballs generated by hypervelocity objects (from meteorites to space junk) entering Earth’s atmosphere, as well as develop numerical approaches to explore luminous atmospheric transients (from tracking satellites to monitoring weather systems to discovering flaring stars).

Background information: The UK Fireball alliance is a network of cameras designed to detect meteors and recover meteorites in the UK. UKFAll has over a decade worth of images and videos of the night skies above the UK which contain meteors as well as other atmospheric phenomena that are yet to be fully explored.

Methods: This is a multidisciplinary project. We will combine all sky imaging with mathematical approaches. Mathematical models will be developed to improve bright flight modelling of fireballs from both meteorites and space debris. Machine learning will be employed to detect satellite streaks in images and videos from the UK Fireball Alliance network and determine their orbit to track them in near-real time. In addition, the same approach will be used to survey the data for other atmospheric phenomena e.g. flaring starts, supernovae, weather systems etc.

Research outputs: The results from this project will be communicated to the wider scientific community via student attendance at both national and international conferences, as well as scientific publications and thesis submission. The work will be shared with the public via outreach events that the student will be encouraged to participate in.

Funding Notes and information to apply: STFC funding is available via a competitive process – the successful candidate will receive full funding, for tuition and stipend at UKRI standard levels. International candidates are not eligible to apply, however those with pre-settled/settled status can apply.

Applications should include a 2-page CV and 1-page cover letter (pdf format required for both), explaining why you are interested in this research project. Applications not submitted in this format will be rejected.

Applications should be emailed to Leenah Khan (Leenah.Khan@glasgow.ac.uk) by 5pm on the 27th of April 2026, with the email subject ‘GES STFC PhD studentship 2026’. Late applications will not be considered. We expect to hold interviews in the week beginning 25th May.

The principal supervisor can be contacted for further information: luke.daly@glasgow.ac.uk

Expanded information on the PhD position can be found here.

Mercury Postdoc position at The Open University

This STFC-funded Research and Innovation Associate (RIA) position for a post-doctoral researcher represents an exciting four year opportunity to join a three-University project at the core of the Mercury Imaging X-ray Spectrometer (MIXS) team for ESA’s BepiColombo Mercury Planetary Orbiter, whose 1-2 years orbital science mission at Mercury begins in March 2027. We anticipate a starting date between 1 June and 1 October 2026 (by mutual agreement) for this role.

MIXS will map and measure ratios and abundances of more than a dozen elements across Mercury’s surface, and in conjunction with other surface-looking instruments is expected to deliver a step-change in our understanding of Mercury’s geological history. 

The successful candidate will be based at the Open University to work with David Rothery and Mahesh Anand, but will do so in close collaboration with colleagues at Space Park Leicester, particularly Emma Bunce (MIXS Principal Investigator), Adrian Martindale (MIXS Instrument Scientist), John Bridges, and two recently-recruited RIAs. There will be opportunities to become involved in laboratory experiments to help to understand the remotely-sensed (principally XRF) properties of Mercury’s surface.

About you
You will hold a PhD in planetary science or a closely related field, with particular expertise in spacecraft data analysis, geochemistry, and/or X-ray fluorescence techniques. A strong publication record, evidence of independent research capability, and experience working within collaborative research environments are essential. Proficiency in ArcPro, Python and a solid grasp of planetary geological processes, especially those relevant to Mercury, will be key to your success in this role.

Essential:

  • PhD in planetary science or a closely related field.
  • Solid grasp of planetary geological processes, especially those relevant to Mercury.
  • The ability to present your research effectively both orally and in scientific writing.
  • The ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse team, and to foster links with other teams.
  • A developing track record of peer-reviewed publications in international journals.
  • Time management and project planning skills.
  • Ability and willingness to travel to partners’ locations.

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

Application deadline is 11:59pm on Friday 24th April 2026.

Planetary Sciences Lectureship at The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK

The Open University is looking to recruit a lecturer in planetary science to work on the production of a new course (Planetary Science), with research opportunities.

As a Lecturer in Planetary Sciences, you will collaborate with colleagues in the production, delivery and assessment of modules within our Natural Sciences and Physics qualifications. You will be involved in the development of new content for the replacement of our Stage 2 distance learning planetary science module, and may also be asked to contribute to other areas of physics, planetary and space science or interdisciplinary science curriculum at various undergraduate or postgraduate levels. 

In addition to contributing to teaching within the School of Physical Sciences, you will be expected to carry out independent research and/or scholarship in an area that aligns with the strategic research priorities of the School of Physical Sciences. 

Remote and flexible working is an option, but you must be able to travel to Milton Keynes whenever required.  As this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office, there is an expectation that the role holder will work on campus up to 3 days per week. 

Skills required:
A PhD in planetary sciences or a closely related discipline.

Experience of teaching in planetary sciences or related areas, and enthusiasm for distance learning by adults and the application of new technologies to teaching and supporting students.

The ability to write clearly and concisely on topics in planetary sciences in an informed and inspiring manner with careful attention to detail, and the ability to prepare assessment material.

A track record in research commensurate with career stage, in an area which complements and enhances existing physical sciences research at the Open University.

An ability to work collaboratively, collegially and adaptively with others in an interdisciplinary context.

Excellent communication skills, both oral and written in a variety of contexts, including the ability to offer and receive constructive criticism.

An ability to plan, organise and complete work to agreed deadlines.

Ability to carry out the role in a way that is consistent with equality legislation and University policies.

Want to apply?
All of the information you need can be found right here.

Application deadline is April 15th 2026.