Category: PhD

PhD in Experimental Microbial Ecology

Fully funded PhD position
The National Centre of Competence in Research NCCR Genesis is a research infrastructure project funded by SNSF focussing on exploring the emergence of life in the Universe. This interdisciplinary research infrastructure brings together physicists, earth and planetary scientists, chemists and biologists to understand the conditions and the mechanisms that enable life to emerge. Developing reliable methods to detect reliable traces of life (biosignatures) – whether through remote sensing or direct onsite measurements – requires significant innovation. These challenges demand close collaboration across physics, biology, chemistry and the earth sciences. NCCR Genesis does not aim
to provide answers in all fields, but to drive innovative research and achieve decisive progress.


Details on NCCR Genesis are available on its website https://nccr-genesis.ch.

Position Overview

The Institute of Earth Sciences (ISTE) at the University of Lausanne invites applications for a PhD position in experimental microbial ecology within the framework of the NCCR Genesis.
The successful candidate will work under the joint supervision of Dr. Alice Bosco Santos (UNIL) and Dr. Nicola Storelli (SUPSI).

Project Overview

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 UNIL (Lausanne) and 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.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Monitoring and Isolation of viruses from the natural environment
  • Infection test with different anoxygenic phototrophic sulfur bacteria
  • Conduct anaerobic microbiology work, such as maintaining cultures of anaerobic phototrophic sulfur bacteria, designing and performing experiments under controlled redox gradients (e.g., microfluidics, mesocosms).
  • Characterize microbial responses using: flow cytometry, viability assays (e.g., live/dead staining), microscopy and spatial analysis
  • Develop and apply molecular approaches: qPCR quantification, RNA extraction, and transcriptomics preparation
  • Organize and participate in field monitoring campaigns in Lake Cadagno, Ticino, Switzerland
  • Contribute to data integration with computational collaborators

Candidate Profile
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. Candidates with an interest in microbial ecology and biogeochemistry and a motivation for fieldwork in lake environments are encouraged to apply.


Working Environment
The candidate will be based at the University of Lausanne within a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment and will collaborate closely with SUPSI. Time at SUPSI for training and
analysis will be necessary (especially from June to October). The project is embedded in the NCCR Genesis, offering access to a broad network of researchers working on biosignatures, microbial processes, and planetary habitability.



What is Offered

  • A fully funded PhD position in Switzerland
  • Interdisciplinary training across microbiology, biogeochemistry, and biosignatures
  • Opportunities for fieldwork in unique natural systems
  • Collaboration within a national research network (UNIL, SUPSI, EPFL)
  • A supportive and collaborative research environment within the NCCR Genesis

Application

Applications should be sent to alice.boscosantos@unil.ch and include:

  • CV
  • Motivation letter
  • Contact details of 2–3 referees
  • The position is expected to start in Fall 2026. The application deadline is August 5, 2026.
  • Interviews will be conducted between August 15 and 20, 2026

PhD in Quantitative Microbial Biosignatures and Statistical Biophysics

Fully funded PhD position
The National Centre of Competence in Research NCCR Genesis is a research infrastructure project funded by SNSF focussing on exploring the emergence of life in the Universe. This interdisciplinary research infrastructure brings together physicists, earth and planetary scientists, chemists and biologists to understand the conditions and the mechanisms that enable life to emerge. Developing reliable methods to detect reliable traces of life (biosignatures) – whether through remote sensing or direct onsite measurements – requires significant innovation. These challenges demand close collaboration across physics, biology, chemistry and the earth sciences. NCCR Genesis does not aim
to provide answers in all fields, but to drive innovative research and achieve decisive progress.


Details on NCCR Genesis are available on its website https://nccr-genesis.ch.

Position Overview

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

Project Overview

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).

Key Responsibilities:

  • Analyze multi-omics datasets:
    o metagenomics
    o metatranscriptomics
    o viromes and auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs)
  • Identify metabolic pathways (KEGG pathways) and rate-limiting steps targeted by viruses
    Develop quantitative models to:
    o simulate microbial metabolic networks
    o quantify the impact of viral perturbations
    o estimate thresholds for detectable biosignature shifts
  • Integrate experimental data into modeling
  • Contribute to the interpretation of carbon and sulfur cycling
  • Participate in field campaigns to gain familiarity with the systems studied
  • Possibility to participate in laboratory experiments (e.g., gene expression analyses) to validate and parameterize quantitative models

Candidate Profile
A motivated candidate interested in the intersection of biology, physics, and Earth sciences, with a strong inclination toward computational approaches.

Required:

  • MSc (or equivalent) in bioinformatics, computational biology, physics, environmental sciences, or related field
  • Strong interest in quantitative analysis and modeling
  • Programming skills
  • Ability to work at the interface of disciplines
  • Interest in linking models to experimental data

Working Environment
The candidate will be based at the University of Lausanne and will collaborate closely with EPFL. The project offers a highly interdisciplinary environment at the interface of microbial ecology, physics, and Earth sciences.
The position is embedded within the NCCR Genesis, providing access to a broad network of researchers working on biosignatures, planetary habitability, and the detection of life beyond Earth.

What is Offered

  • A fully funded PhD position in Switzerland
  • Training at the interface of microbiology, physics, and Earth sciences
  • Opportunities to develop both computational and experimental skills
  • Collaboration within a national research network (UNIL, EPFL, SUPSI, UNIGE, ETH)
  • A supportive and interdisciplinary research environment within the NCCR Genesis

Application

Applications should be sent to alice.boscosantos@unil.ch and include:

  • CV
  • Motivation letter
  • Contact details of 2–3 referees
  • The position is expected to start in Fall 2026. The application deadline is August 5, 2026.
  • Interviews will be conducted between August 15 and 20, 2026

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.

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.

PhD in Satellite Data Analysis, Germany

The Satellite Data Analysis group at IAP is looking for a motivated and curious PhD candidate.

At the Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP), a part-time position (75%) in the “Satellite Data Analysis” working group is available as PhD Student (f/m/d).

The position is initially offered for three years with a start date as soon as possible. The salary is according to class EG 13 TV-L (approx. 43,500 €/year).

Your Tasks: You will conduct research to advance the understanding of vertical coupling processes between the lower and upper atmosphere as part of our team. The role involves investigating how dynamical and chemical processes in the lower atmosphere influence the variability and behavior of the upper atmosphere, supported by the analysis of whole-atmosphere models that span both regions. A central part of the work includes the use of satellite and ground-based observations to characterize vertical coupling mechanisms and their temporal variability. The position also contributes to the planning of future satellite missions, with a focus on optimizing orbit configurations and potential constellation designs to maximize scientific return related to atmospheric variability. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding variations in neutral density and neutral composition under different geophysical conditions, which have potential impacts on satellite operations.

Your Qualifications / Experience:

  • A master’s degree in physics, engineering, environmental sciences, or a related discipline, is required.
  • Basic knowledge and interest in atmospheric physics
  • Skills in model & satellite data analysis is desired Fundamental programming skills and expertise, e.g., Python, C/C++, Fortran
  • Willingness to work independently and think critically
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to work well in a team and contribute to a diverse and inclusive workforce

What is offered:

  • an attractive workplace near the Baltic Sea
  • stimulating interdisciplinary work environment with including world-leading observations and modeling
  • engagement in an international work environment
  • participation in the company pension scheme (VBL)
  • employment relationship in accordance with the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federal States (TV-L)
  • flexible working hours and mobile working within the framework of the applicable regulations
  • family office

About the institute: “Our mission is to advance the scientific knowledge of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere by developing and exploiting expertise in atmospheric physics, instrumentation, analysis and modelling to serve emerging societal needs – such as questions regarding increasing atmospheric pollution by space emissions. On the regional level, we closely cooperate with the University of Rostock and are an integral part of the teaching program of the Institute of Physics. Further, we are networked with the research community worldwide. As an institute of the Leibniz Association, we distinguish ourselves as a modern and innovative employer that highly values family friendliness, equality of opportunity and flexibility.”

Interested? Please send your application as one pdf with complete, informative documents, including motivational letter curriculum vitae diploma with indication of final grade copy of certificates, possibly testimonies and references under indication of the keyword: 2026-02 to: personal@iap-kborn.de

More information here.

Institute’s website here.

The advertisement remains open until a suitable person has been appointed. Unfortunately, application and travel costs cannot be covered by the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. By submitting your application, you consent to the processing of your personal data for the purpose of the application process

PhD Projects in exoplanets and Solar System astronomy

The Astrophysics Research Centre at Queen’s University Belfast is advertising PhD projects for the 2026/2027 school year in exoplanets and Solar System astronomy. Details about the projects can be found at the following links:

Details about the application process can be found here (https://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/astrophysics-research-centre/EducationandOpportunities/PHDStudentships/). PhD positions may be funded through NI DoE (Department of Economy) or UK STFC (Science and Technology Facilities Council) studentships.

The application deadline is Friday 16th January 2026. The QUB Astrophysics Research Centre will be hosting a information session (in-person and online participation) on Monday 8 December 12pm GMT. Register to get the connection link using this form (https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=6ner6qW040mh6NbdI6Hyhvqh8HZaSo9Fgtva6IA0Lb5UN1RKQTBaR1YzTUVKQUlMVTE3MTAzSU80MC4u&route=shorturl).

PhD in Biotechnology and antimicrobial resistance (UK)

Dr Michael Macey is excited to share a new PhD project exploring the secrets hidden within Great Britain’s unique waters with, Michael, and Daniel P Payne, Ilias Kounatidis, Calum McMullen, Tim Goodall and Anne Jungblut. They are delving into the uncharacterised microbiomes of historic and chemically distinct springs across the UK. These heritage sites could be a source for novel bioactive compounds to help tackle the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

This studentship offers an opportunity to:

  • Conduct fieldwork at a range of UK heritage sites.
  • Get trained in state-of-the-art chemistry and biology techniques.
  • Screen for microbes and metabolites with the potential to become new medicines.

It’s a blend of natural history, microbiology, and cutting-edge analytical science. A brilliant chance to explore the UK’s hidden biodiversity and contribute to a pressing global challenge.

Deadline: January 7th 2026

Click here for more information.

PhD Studentship in Analytical Tools within Contamination in Spacecraft & Satellite Industry (UK)

The Open University (Milton Keynes, UK) would like to advertise the following PhD position:

Development and validation of innovative, near real-time analytical tools to enable mitigation of contamination within cleanrooms of the UK spacecraft & satellite industry.

Open University Supervisory team: Claire Batty; Vic Pearson; Geraint Morgan

Project Highlights: 

  • Opportunity to develop expertise in cutting edge volatile organic compound detection and analysis for contamination detection.
  • Opportunity to develop skills in analytical techniques, contamination control, and materials and process (M&P) protocols within the space sector.
  • This industrial CASE studentship is a collaboration between The Open University (OU) and Airbus Defence and Space Ltd (Airbus DS) providing both academic and industrial research experience.

The aims of this studentship are: 

  1. To identify, profile and catalogue volatile, semi-volatile and surface organic compounds in cleanrooms and understand the influence of VOCs on bonding, and cleaning methodologies.
  2. To develop techniques, in partnership with the Airbus technical team, to help identify individual contamination compounds, and assess risk of silicone contamination vs cure.
  3. To develop analytical strategies to then deal with real time contamination events.
  4. To develop and optimise analytical methods for flight hardware, cleanroom surfaces and air.

Application deadline: August 1st 2025, 5pm GMT

More information about the project and how to apply here.

PhD Position in Origins of Life research at the University of Amsterdam (Amsterdam, the Netherlands)

Are you interested in a PRELIFE PhD position in prebiotic laboratory (geo/photo)chemistry?

There’s an exciting opportunity to perform research on From Building Blocks to Polymerisation on Water-rich Worlds, an Experimental Exploration. A laboratory exploration of how planet- and space-born building blocks may polymerise into molecular structures under varying prebiotic conditions, such as level of oxygenation, UV radiation, and impacts.

Do you have a MSc degree in physics, physical chemistry, geochemistry or adjacent fields? Do you like working in an interdisciplinary environment, independently and within a team? Here is your chance to do a PhD in an inspiring and challenging environment, where you will be able to perform state-of-the-art experiments and collaborate with other disciplines, scientists, PhD students, artists, and the general public.

Apply for this PhD project >here<

🧪 Application deadline: June 10, 2025
🌍 Start date: Autumn 2025
📍 Open to candidates worldwide

👉 Explore all PRELIFE opportunities here