Category: Job Positions

PhD fellowship funded by the Italian Space Agency

Where: Università G. d’Annunzio – Chieti
Duration: 3 years, including 6 months abroad (Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität
Münster) + 3 months (c/o Italian Space Agency, Rome)
Doctoral program: GEOSCIENCE
Title: “Geological mapping of lunar landing sites and the MATISSE webtool”
Tutor: Lucia Marinangeli lucia.marinangeli@unich.it
Application deadline: 3 December 2024 12:00 pm CET
Colloqium (in person or virtual): 11 December 2024 9:00 am CET
More info: https://www.scuolasuperiore.unich.it/node/7244

OBJECTIVES:
With the ARTEMIS exploration program bringing a new human crew to the lunar surface in 2026 as the first phase for the construction of a permanent human base, preparatory activities for the study of landing sites by combining multi-sensor data of different resolution and scale are fundamental for defining potential in situ resource utilization (ISRU).

With this project we want to propose an integrated approach for data analysis aimed at detailed geological analysis for the definition and valorization of in situ resources for the ISRU through the production of a geological cartography with standardization of the units that allows the definition of guidelines for the characterization of the new landing sites planned in the south pole of the Moon.

Currently, thanks to the availability of better spatial resolution orbital data together with remote spectral data to determine the composition of the surface material, it has been possible to review the geological interpretation of the Apollo landing sites [1-4] providing new details on the stratigraphic evolution of rock units and their correlation with samples brought to Earth. Preliminary work on geological mapping applied to the ISRU [5] highlighted the potential of the Apollo 17 site thanks to the geological diversity and the type of rocks that can allow the successful extraction of hydrogen and methane.
For this reason, the research activities will focus on the Apollo 17 site following the cartographic approach of [1-4] adding both a morphological and stratigraphic study deriving from the photographic repertoire acquired by the astronauts, and the compositional information of the rock samples and soil brought to Earth and available in the NASA Curation Office archive.

Based on the study and the geothematic maps that will be produced, analyzes will be carried out on the potential of the mapped material for the ISRU.
The integrated approach of different types of data (multimission – multisensor – multispectral) for detailed and standardized geological cartography is fundamental for future studies of lunar landing sites. The data will be processed and/or calibrated and then inserted into a GIS system for the analysis and creation of digital maps.
This modus operandi will constitute a model that can be replicated in other sites.

The PhD student will spend 6-months abroad working at the Institut für Planetologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität in Münster (tutor C. van der Bogert) to familiarize with the lunar dataset and cartographic methods. This institute in Münster has a long experience on geological mapping of the Moon.
In the final part of the project the student will work at the ASI-SSDC to upload the produced maps into the MATISSE online tool to make it accessible to the scientific community. MATISSE is the ASI-SSDC webtool dedicated to Solar System exploration missions, capable of showing the results both in classic two-dimensional visualizations, showing the data projected directly onto the three-dimensional shape of the selected target. In particular, this activity will be integrated into the current development of the tool aimed at planetary geology, expanding the possibility of searching for data also on the basis of advanced information available from geological maps.


In summary, the activities to be carried out will be:

  1. bibliographic research and review of available geological maps – 3 months
  2. selection of the areas of interest to analyze in detail, data processing and project preparation in the GIS environment of the study area – 6 months
  3. period abroad to acquire knowledge of lunar geological cartography – 6 months
  4. cartography of the chosen sites – 12 months
  5. definition of guidelines for the classification of geological units and potential values for the ISRU – 3 months
  6. data entry in MATISSE – 3 monthsthesis writing – 3 months

Bibliographic references:
[1] Iqbal W. et al. (2019) Geological mapping and chronology of lunar landing sites: Apollo 11, Icarus,
Volume 333, Pages 528-547
[2] Iqbal W. et al. (2020) Geological mapping and chronology of lunar landing sites: Apollo 12, Icarus,
Volume 352
[3] Iqbal W. et al. (2023) Geological mapping and chronology of lunar landing sites: Apollo 14, Icarus,
Volume 406
[4] Iqbal W. et al. (2024) New geological maps of Apollo 15 and Apollo 17 landing sites, LPSC, #1010
[5] van der Bogert et al. (2021) Science-rich Sites for In Situ Resource Utilization Characterization and Endto-
end Demonstration Missions, Planet. Sci. J., 2 84

Post-doctoral Researcher in Astrochemistry/Planetology at the University Aix-Marseille, PIIM laboratory (Marseille, France)

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.

For more details click here.

2 years Post-Doctoral position in analytical chemistry in the context of extraterrestrial sample analyses and Origins of Life (Aix-Marseille University, France)

Context:
For the past 15 years, the ASTRO team at the PIIM laboratory of CNRS/Aix-Marseille University has been investigating the origin of organic matter in the solar system, focusing on its potential role in prebiotic chemistry on early Earth. They have developed experimental approaches and analytical methods to study the chemistry of dense molecular clouds, the formation of protoplanetary disks, and the incorporation of primitive organic matter into asteroids and comets. This matter, potentially delivered to Earth via meteorites 4.3 to 3.8 billion years ago, may have contributed to the emergence of life.

Objectives of the scientific project:
The project aims to advance analytical methodologies, particularly using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS), to characterize organic matter in extraterrestrial samples like meteorites and mission returns. The candidate will contribute to liquid chromatography analyses and methodology development, while supporting other team projects.

The ASTRO team already has significant experience in high-resolution mass spectrometry and seeks a candidate with expertise in HPLC-MS and data analysis related to these techniques.

  • Application Deadline: Open until filled
  • Starting date: January 2025
  • End Date: January 2027

For more details click here, while you can contact Prof Grégoire Danger if you have any questions.

Postdoc in developing new methods for delineating the boundary between life and non-life in astrobiology

The appointed Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) will undertake research on the use of image analysis to assess whether natural materials (e.g., from the early Earth or other planetary bodies) are biological in origin. This work will further the objectives of the Human Frontiers Science Program grant “Unambiguous Biosignatures for Life Detection”. The PDRA will take advice and supervision from Sean McMahon and the external PIs of this project. The aim of the grant is to develop new strategies for discriminating between non-biological and biological materials and patterns, i.e., for recognizing “biosignatures”, by leveraging new “big data” approaches, while also addressing the fundamental question of how, and to what extent, biology differs from non-biology.

Location: University of Edinburgh, Scotland

Application deadline: August 20th

Start date: December 2024

Project duration: 3 years

This is a full-time position based within the UK Center for Astrobiology in the Institute for Condensed Matter and Complex Systems in the School of Physics and Astronomy. The key contacts are S. McMahon (University of Edinburgh), J. Cleaves (Howard University) and M. van Zuilen (Naturalis Biodiversity Centre). Applicants with experience in extracting quantitative descriptions of shapes and structures from image data and analysing the results (e.g., with machine learning methods) are encouraged to apply. 

Apply here!

PostDoc position in Astrobiology at the Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies (CNR, Padova, Italy)

The research project “PRIN MICRObes under ICY-moon simulation: supporting Solar System exploration (MICRO ICY)” aims to study extremophilic microorganisms adapted to live in Icelandic hydrothermal springs as analogues of subsurface environments of the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn. The goal of the project is to understand what kind of metabolism may be favoured in those conditions and identify possible biological signatures, through analysis of gas composition, to be sought in robotic exploration missions to the Solar System. Knowledge of these environments and the adaptation mechanisms of their inhabitants is of fundamental importance for astrobiological research.

The post will be held at the Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies (IFN), which is part of the National Research Council (CNR), in Padova (Italy).

Deadline:  18th July 2024

For more info, click here. Any questions can be asked to Dr. Lorenzo Cocola.

PhD position in Experimental Volcanology & Fluid-Rock-Interaction in the context of the Emergence of Life at LMU (Munich, Germany)

Do you want to discover how and in which environments life could have originated on early Earth? The CRC 392 (collaborative research center) brings together young and experienced researchers to foster and grow our cross-disciplinary network on the Emergence of Life research. They will integrate the initial boundary conditions of early Earth from biophysics, geoscience, astronomy and chemistry for innovative lab experiments.

Apply for this PhD position in Experimental Volcanology & Fluid-Rock-Interaction in the context of the Emergence of Life at the  Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich!

This project explores shallow geothermal environments driven by magmatic activity on their potential to act as physical-chemical factories where prebiotic reactions are catalyzed by glass /mineral – fluid reactions. Shallow geothermal systems span a broad range of pressure, temperature and pH values, and their fluids often source from deeper sub-volcanic/magmatic regions, connected by system-spanning transport processes such as gas and fluid flow through a permeable fracture network.

The goals of this project are:

  • to explore chemical gradients and silicate-glass/mineral reactivity to e.g. liberate phosphorus, lanthanides;
  • to explore the fertilization capacity of volcanic ashes introduced into aqueous systems as erupted ash is known for its scavenging capacity binding salts and is via volcanic lightning also a likely source for as possible source for simple prebiotic compounds ( such as NH3, HCN,..);
  • to expand the current understanding of fluid-rock interactions under early earth conditions and chemical reactions from shallow to deeper environments to bridge the gap between shallow geothermal and sub-volcanic/magmatic systems.

The group seeks an outstanding and highly motivated candidate, eager to work in a highly interdisciplinary research group. Experience in experimental laboratory work, as well as in optical, petrological and geochemical analysis (e.g. XRD, Raman, SEM, EMPA, xCT, XRD), will be highly beneficial. Candidates should have a MSc in a relevant area (petrology, geochemistry, volcanology, Earth sciences).

The PhD student will be hosted at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at LMU Munich. Within the CRC392 excellent interdisciplinary training, and networking activities are provided.

Apply with a CV, motivation letter, transcript of academic record, publications (if existing), and 2 references to Prof. Bettina Scheu <b.scheu@lmu.de>.

Evaluation of the applications will start immediately until the position is filled. The project can start in October 2024 and is funded for 3 years (TV-L-E13 (75%).

Postdoctoral Fellow post in Astrobiology (Edinburg, Texas USA)

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Astrobiochemistry Lab. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of astrobiology, planetary science, and sedimentology.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Investigate how biosignatures are affected by riverine dynamics in extraterrestrial environments, specifically targeting Titan and Mars.
  • Determine alterations in chemical and morphological biosignatures due to riverine processes.
  • Examine the influence of sedimentary deposition on biosignature preservation and detectability.
  • Explore the spatial segregation of biosignatures across sedimentary basins to inform current and future space exploration missions.
  • Conduct terrestrial analogy studies to support and validate extraterrestrial research findings.

Ideal start window: September 2024 – January 2025

For more information or to apply, click here.

4 years PhD position at the Center of Astrobiology in Madrid (Spain)

A PhD position is available in the Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms of Biological Adaptation at the Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA).

Study of the role of queousine nucleoside precursors in resistance to extreme conditions of microbial communities

The thesis project will consist of the study of the function of the queuosine (Q) nucleoside precursors as signaling molecules involved in the stability and resistance to extreme conditions of microbial communities. In our research group we have discovered that the modification of tRNA by Q is a molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of resistance, biofilm formation and virulence in most bacterial species (Díaz-Rullo and González-Pastor, NAR 2023). We have also proposed that Q precursors, produced by some bacterial species, would function as signaling molecules involved in the control of the aforementioned biological processes in other species within the communities. In this thesis project, this hypothesis will be tested experimentally using synthetic communities of Q precursor-producing and non-producing bacteria. In addition, functional metagenomics will be used to search for inhibitors of Q biosynthesis to explore their involvement in microbial communities and their potential applications in biotechnology as antibiofilm and antimicrobial compounds. This research will be funded by the EU HORIZON projects: “BlueTools” (2022-2026) and “EXTREM” (2024-2028), and the National Plan project “METACIRCLE” (2022-2025).

The call for this predoctoral contract will be published on the website of the Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (www.inta.es) at the end of July 2024.

Contact: Eduardo González-Pastor