The Earth Surface Science group at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) are seeking a 24-month PDRA to work on a Human Frontier Science Project (HFSP) funded project ‘The atmosphere: a living, breathing ecosystem?’. The project is a collaboration between QMUL’s School of Geography, the University of Guelph (Canada), Monash University (Australia) and Arizona State University (USA). The team aims to resolve the composition, capabilities, and activities of atmospheric microbes at a global scale, with the overall goal to distinguish whether the atmosphere exhibits structure and microbial activity characteristic of a true ecosystem, or if it is simply a passive dispersal medium for microorganisms.

The PDRA will develop theoretical modelling approaches (including bioenergetics calculations, power-based ecosystem modelling) to investigate the potential habitability and ecological structure and function of microbial communities in the atmosphere. The initial focus for the PDRA is to model the habitability and ecological processes occurring in Earth’s atmosphere, and then to translate the tools and knowledge generated to the atmosphere of other planetary bodies or exoplanets.

Application Deadline: 25th August 2023
Interviews are expected to be held in early September 2023

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Data analysis and laboratory tests for the characterization of the ion sensors of the BepiColombo/SERENA experiment

The BepiColombo SERENA experiment includes four sensors (MIPA and PICAM ion sensors, ELENA energetic neutral atom detector and STROFIO mass spectrometer) and a System Control Unit (SCU). Only the ion sensors can perform scientific operations during the cruise phase that will last up to 2026. Essential activities to be done in this phase are:

• development of tools for data analysis, and optimization of the scientific product definition of the two SERENA ion sensors, PICAM and MIPA, for maximizing the scientific results during the whole mission (cruise and nominal phases);
• laboratory activities for inter-calibrations between the two ion sensors and checking the System Control Unit performances. The spare and demonstration models available on the ground will be used for laboratory measurements to reproduce the flight observations.

 one year with a possible extension for other years.

deadline for application is June 23, 2023

 the call can be found on the IAPS page

 For more details please contact Anna Milillo

Applications for a postdoctoral position to work on molecular evolution related to post-impact processes generated after interplanetary bodies impact of the early Earth is open, between the ASTRO’team of the PIIM laboratory and the Evolution of Bioenergetics’team of the BIP laboratory at Aix-Marseille University, Institut Origines, Marseille, France.

The main task will consist in developing experiments simulating sub-surface environments, to understand how molecular diversity as observed in some meteorites could evolve once delivered at the surface of the early Earth. Environments to simulate will concern hydrothermal alteration in subsurface
allowing organic interactions with minerals and UV photons.

These experiments will address the hypothesis of an exogenous supply of organic matter via interplanetary bodies on telluric
planets, and its potential role in the emergence of prebiotic chemical systems. G. Danger, V. Vinogradoff (PIIM) and S. Duval (BIP) will supervise this position.

Organic and mineral production will be developed at the BIP and PIIM laboratories, and sample analyses will be performed using spectroscopic technics (GC-MS, FT-IR) and in collaboration with the CINAM laboratory (expert in imaging methods).

The candidate will work in an interdisciplinary environment which will give him the opportunity to extend their knowledge. This project is part of the interdisciplinary research project EXOMIOLE supported by the “Institut Origines” and funded by the A*MIDEX Excellence program of Aix-Marseille University, and gathering several close laboratories in astrophysics (LAM), geology (CEREGE) and human sciences (CGGG).

The position is for one year, renewable for a second year upon mutual agreement. The starting date would be between autumn and the end of 2023, depending on the applicant’s availability.

Candidates must have a PhD in chemistry, physico-chemistry, geochemistry or in analytical chemistry by the date of appointment. Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, list of publications, and a statement (2 pages max) explaining research interests and qualifications, and arrange for two letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin upon receipt until the position is filled and all applications received by the deadline will receive full consideration.

Application Deadline: July 15th, 2023
Attention To: Grégoire Danger, Simon Duval and Vassilissa Vinogradoff
Email for more info: gregoire.danger@univ-amu.fr, sduval@imm.cnrs.fr, vassilissa.vinogradoff@univamu.f

1. Modeling early Mars hydrology and climate
2. Modeling photochemistry of past Martian atmospheres

Where: LMD, IPSL, Paris, France
Deadline: July 5^th, 2022

Post-doctoral position in orbital mechanics (dnr 2.2.1-78/22)

Where: Kiruna, Sweden
Deadline: March 27^th

Investigation of gas transport phenomena in porous media with application to Solar System objects

Where: University of Bern, Switzerland
Deadline: April 8^th