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)

French Young Researchers Exobiology Conference 2026

Registration is now open!
Our friends at EJC (Exobiologie Jeunes Chercheur·ses) would like to invite you to their conference in November 2026.

The EJC is a national conference dedicated to young researchers involved in the study of the origin of life, its evolution, and its detection, on Earth and in the Universe.

The objective of this conference is to gather young researchers from different disciplines (biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, Earth sciences, environmental sciences, etc.) and to offer them a platform to present their research, exchange ideas, and establish collaborations.

Conference Themes:

  • The Origin of Life and Prebiotic Chemistry
  • Survival and Extreme Conditions of Life
  • Space Exploration and Observations
  • Habitability: From Earth to Exoplanets
  • Panel Discussion around Scientific Communication

Where: Salle de l’Espace, CNES, Paris

When: November 2nd – 4th, 2026

Deadline for registration: October 1st, 2026

Deadline for abstracts: September 14th, 2026

For more information click here.

Planetary Sciences Lectureship at Mullard Space Science Laboratory UCL, UK

This post is a permanent lectureship in Planetary Science and will be held within the Planetary Science Group at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory in the Department of Space and Climate Physics (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/mathematical-physical-sciences/mssl/space-research/solar-system/planetary-science).

The successful applicant will be expected to pursue a vigorous internationally competitive original research programme, initially exploiting data from the Rosalind Franklin Mission, but also other planetary environments, such as the Moon and the icy moons of the Outer Planets. They will actively pursue opportunities to lead future space missions and/or space instrument roles at the frontiers of Planetary Science, and aligned with the Group’s strategic science interests.

Applications in the fields of study of planetary surface science and multispectral observations, both insitu and remote, are particularly welcomed, but are not restricted to this area.

The post holder will also contribute to the teaching programme of the Department, and to its planning and organisation, participate in the life of the Department and undertake other tasks that may be assigned by the Head of Department.

About you
The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field, along with a command of the planetary surface science field and/or the use of imaging and spectroscopic instruments to study planetary surfaces and habitability, that shows both breadth and depth. They will have experience in data analysis methods relevant for investigating past or present habitability of planetary environments, and evidence of an active research profile at national and international level, with a growing reputation. It is essential that you have the ability to supervise academic work by PhD and MSc students and the ability to pursue a successful science research programme, demonstrating independent research ideas and a commitment to the scientific method.

Teaching experience at undergraduate/postgraduate university level is desirable but not essential.

Want to apply?
Please check the original post here.

Application deadline is March 29th 2026.

Postdoctoral Research position in Archaea Ecology (Bioinformatics)

This is not a repost – it’s another similar position in the same department.

The Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, is looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Rodrigues-Oliveira group. This ERC-funded position offers the opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research in a collaborative environment. The position is full-time, starting 1 April 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter), and is funded initially for 1 year.

About the research project
This research project focuses on the Asgard archaea, the closest known prokaryotic relatives of eukaryotes. However, many aspects of their ecology and metabolism remain poorly understood, despite their key evolutionary significance. The position involves focused analyses of proteins and metabolic pathways central to Asgard archaeal ecology, aiming to generate insights relevant to ongoing discussions on eukaryogenesis.

Qualifications

  • A PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, microbiology or related field
  • Proven research experience in comparative genomics and phylogeny
  • Demonstrated teamwork and interpersonal skills, with commitment to collaborative research.
  • Documented experience in scientific writing and publication in international peer-reviewed scientific journals
  • The capacity to prepare and present his/her/their research at scientific conferences.
  • Excellent English skills, both written and oral

Want to apply?
Great! Please send your CV, a motivation letter, and the contact details of three referees to the project leader, Asst. Prof. Thiago Rodrigues de Oliveira (thiago.rodrigues@bio.au.dk). Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled, early applications are encouraged

More information here (PDF file).

5th Interdisciplinary Origin of Life Meeting (from OoLEN) in Tokyo, Japan

Our friends at OoLEN are organising the 5th Interdisciplinary Origin of Life Meeting for Early Career Researchers (IOoL26) at ELSI in Tokyo, Japan September 9-11th. If you are interested in going or just want to keep up to date with the meeting, please fill in the form of interest here.

OoLEN membership is encouraged but not required.

Postdoctoral Research position in Archaea Microbiology

The Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Rodrigues-Oliveira group to investigate the ecology and biochemistry of Asgard archaea and their role in the emergence of complex life. This ERC-funded position offers the opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research in a collaborative international environment. The position is full-time, starting 1 June 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter), and is initially for two years. As part of the recruitment process, a shortlisting procedure will be applied.

Expected start date and duration of employment

This is a 2–year position from 01/06/2026 or as soon possible.

Application deadline: 16 March 2026

More information and application on the website here.

Job description

This project focuses on the Asgard archaea, which represent the closest prokaryotic relatives of eukaryotes. Yet, due to the scarcity of cultured representatives, functional insights into their biology remain limited and are mostly inferred from genome data. In this context, you will be working on bridging this gap by investigating the biochemical properties of Asgard archaea proteins crucial to the understanding of their ecology and evolution. You will perform:

  • heterologous expression in model organisms
  • protein purification
  • biochemical functional characterizations
  • in vivo assays in genetically tractable archaea

Life and Space DAYS, Polish online event, starting December 4th

The Polish Astrobiological Society (PTAstrobio) would like to welcome you to the 1st edition of Life and Space DAYS (LAS DAYS 25) – an international online science event dedicated to exploring the cutting edge of astrobiology, space science, and the origins of life.

The event will take place from December 4–7, 2025. Organized by the Polish Astrobiological Society, this inaugural edition will bring together researchers, students, and space enthusiasts from around the world to exchange ideas, spark new collaborations, and envision the future of life in the Universe. The event starts with a Big Bang – the opening keynote speaker is Peggy Whitson. Joining not long after her return from ISS, this accomplished astronaut and biochemist will share insights from her work. The opening lecture begins on December 4th at 18:00 CET.

How to Participate: All lectures will be streamed via the AstroBio YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PTAstrobio

PTAstrobio looks forward to your valuable presence and contributions to make this event a reservoir of knowledge and inspiration!

Useful links:
Event website: https://astrobio.pl/las25/
LAS DAYS 25 Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/751232691312185/
PTAstroBio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PTAstroBio

(!!!DEADLINE TOMORROW!!!) Post-doc on Habitable planets, their formation and life emergence

The Wisconsin Center for Origins Research (WiCOR) seeks a postdoctoral fellow to participate in Center research in any discipline related to our two main research questions: 1. How do habitable planets form? 2. How does life emerge on habitable planets?

WiCOR is a multidisciplinary research center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with six member departments and faculty and research staff from across 12 campus units. Join our team as the first WiCOR postdoctoral fellow and become a part of this exciting and impactful work.

The successful Candidate will have a PhD in any scientific field related to WiCOR research (including, but not limited to, astronomy, biology, chemistry, botany, geology, planetary science, and atmospheric and oceanic sciences), will have received a PhD within five years of the appointment start date, and will have no more than 3 years of previous postdoctoral experience.

Candidates should submit a CV, a publication list, a 2 page summary of previous research, and a list of 3 potential letter writers who can be contacted to submit letters of recommendation. Candidates should also submit a statement of research interests (3 pages maximum) that describes their research plans and how their research relates to at least one of the six WiCOR research themes (see http://www.wicor.wisc.edu for more information). In this statement candidates should list at least two WiCOR members with whom they would be interested in collaborating and describe a plan for these collaborations. This position is a one year onsite position renewable for a second year by mutual agreement.

The deadline for application is November 15, 2025. A start date of September 1, 2026 is anticipated, but this date can be negotiated. All application materials should be sent as a single PDF to wicor@wisc.edu.

3rd OHP International Summer School (23-27th June 2025; Observatoire de Haute Provence, France)

Institut Origines is pleased to announce the 3rd OHP International Summer School. This exceptional event invites you to explore the frontiers of life through an interdisciplinary approach!

Program highlights: Lectures and round-table discussions featuring renowned experts in prebiotic chemistry, microbiology, exobiology, planetology, astrophysics, philosophy, and law. These sessions will be moderated by an award-winning science journalist, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the fundamental questions surrounding the origin and evolution of life.

Don’t miss this chance to discover the latest research and connect with scientists from around the world in a unique setting!

Pre-register via this link: https://institut-origines.univ-amu.fr/fr/formation/ecoles-ete

Speakers: Chantal Abergel, Mélanie Baroni, James Bradley, Jean-Michel Claverie, Magali Deleuil, Simon Duval, David Ehrenreich, Gaël Erauso, Vincent Hue, Frédéric Laurie, Dominique Leglu, Martina Preiner, Pascal Taranto, Nicolas Thouveny, and more…

Poster credit: Sarah Anderson

International Clay Conference – Call for Abstracts!

The International Clay Conference will take place in Dublin 13-18 July 2025, with both in-person and online attendance options.

One of the sessions, “The Role of Layered Minerals in the Origin of Life – Insights from Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Environments,” may be of interest to our community.

📅 Abstract submission deadline: April 11
🎓 Awards & grants available for travel support
🔬 Workshops & field trips included

For more details and registration, click here