Tag: Astrochemistry

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.

Postdoctoral Research position in Astrochemistry/Planetology

The team of the project ORGAMISS within the ASTRO team of the PIIM laboratory in Marseille (France) is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to investigate the impact of space weathering to detect organic matter in mineral matrices simulating solar system bodies.

This project investigates the origin and chemical evolution of extraterrestrial organic matter in past or present aqueous environments of Solar System bodies. The project will experimentally simulate the fate of organic matter on the surface of bodies (asteroids, Mars) using analogs and meteorites and define biases for the detection of OM in mineral matrices.

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 should have demonstrated skills for experiments and/or analytics during the PhD or postdoctoral positions.

For more information, click here (PDF file).

The starting date is expected before July 2026.
Please send a CV, a description of research interests, a publication list, and email addresses of 2 referees as a single PDF file to Vassilissa.vinogradoff@univ-amu.fr

Nuclear astrochemistry workshop

The first meeting on Nuclear astrochemistry is being held under the auspices of the European Centre for Theoretical Studies in Nuclear Physics and Related Areas (ECT*) in Trento (Italy) from February 26th to March 1st.

This brings meeting together disparate fields of nuclear physics with the rapidly emerging field of astrochemistry to explore the processes of star formation (and death) and planet formation and how they create the conditions that may allow life to evolve and be sustained. In the workshop, the first of its kind, we will bring together leading experts in these fields together with early career researchers who will develop this new field through observations (using JWST), theoretical models and simulations, and laboratory studies (including meteorites) to address the fundamental questions of how the elements and molecules of life are created in the universe and the consequences for the search for life beyond Earth and our solar system.

There’s funding available for both senior and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) to attend the meeting with meals and accommodation included at the ECT  Villa Tambosi in Trento Italy. All ECRs are invited to present a talk at the meeting and participate in discussions leading to future initiatives for interdisciplinary projects.

>> Deadline for registering: January 31st <<

You can visit the page of the school here, and you can contact Prof Nigel Mason for further details.