Astrobiology Job Market
Below, open positions are listed that have been forwarded by an EANA member. Additional job offers can be found for example at:

  1. Postdoctoral Position in Experimental Astrochemistry
    A two-year postdoctoral position in experimental astrochemistry is available in the Space Chemistry Group at the HUN-REN Atommagkutató Intézet (ATOMKI), under the direction of PI Prof. Nigel J. Mason.

    The Research Group
    You will join an active and growing team of researchers having expertise in various aspects of molecular astrophysics, who are developing and making use of a suite of experimental systems to study ion and electron collision-induced molecular destruction, synthesis, and sputtering in astrophysical ice analogues. Some examples of our group’s recent research interests include investigating the role of sulphur ions in the surface chemistry of the Galilean moons of Jupiter, and the energetic synthesis of biomolecules from simple precursors; thereby coupling astrochemistry with planetary science and astrobiology.

    Some examples of recent publications can be found below:
    • DV Mifsud, et al. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2022, 24, 10974-10984
    • DV Mifsud, et al. Geophysical Research Letters, 2022, 49, e2022GL100698
    • AV Ivlev, et al. The Astrophysical Journal, 2023, 944, 181
    • J Zhang, et al. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 2024, 533, 826-840.

    Research Project Specifics
    Your research project will investigate key questions in experimental astrochemistry; particularly:

    (1) How does the morphology of ice depend on the conditions under which it is formed? How is this morphology changed by temperature cycling?
    (2) How does the morphology of the ice influence its radiation-induced destruction and the associated formation of new molecules?

    These experiments will be combined with simulations of such processes to test the validity of laboratory experiments with actual astrophysical conditions. The work forms part of a wider astrochemistry and planetary science programme involving collaborations across Europe and beyond. You will, therefore, also participate in joint projects with visitors to ATOMKI and conduct experiments in partner laboratories.

    Candidate Requirements
    The ideal candidate will have a PhD degree (or equivalent) in physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, or a related discipline. Previous experience with ultrahigh-vacuum chambers and spectroscopic techniques (e.g., FTIR, UV-vis, Raman) is necessary. Previous knowledge of astrochemistry, planetary science, and / or astrobiology is highly desirable. Previous publications in the field are not necessary but are advantageous. The candidate must be fluent in spoken and written English, although knowledge of Hungarian is not expected. The successful candidate will be offered support and encouragement to pursue further postdoctoral fellowships and funding schemes.

    How to Apply
    Interested candidates are kindly invited to apply for the position by contacting Prof. Nigel J. Mason directly (n.j.mason@atomki.hu) with a CV (resume) and a short cover letter. Applicants should also cc Dr Zoltán Juhász (zjuhasz@atomki.hu), Dr Béla Sulik (sulik@atomki.hu), and Dr Duncan V. Mifsud (mifsud.duncan@atomki.hu) in their initial email.

    Applications will be accepted until Friday, 4th April 2025 at 17:00 CET. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview that will take place in mid-April, with the successful candidate being notified shortly thereafter.

    HUN-REN Atommagkutató Intézet
    ATOMKI is located in Debrecen, Hungary’s second-largest city. The Institute was founded in 1954 by Sándor Szalay; a pioneer in the field of nuclear physics. Today, ATOMKI is Hungary’s national accelerator centre and has an international reputation for excellence in the fields of particle, nuclear, atomic, and molecular physics; as well as ion beam analytics, environmental science, and cultural heritage science. The Institute hosts a suite of accelerators that can be used as a Solar Wind Simulator, since they are able to provide a wide selection of ions having energies analogous to the solar wind and galactic cosmic rays (300 eV – 30 MeV).

    Application deadline: 2025-04-04
    Contact: n.j.mason@atomki.hu


  2. PhD @Aarhus University (DK): Revealing the Effect of Abrasion on the Fate of Chiral Biosignature Molecules
    Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Biology programme.
    The position is available from August 2025 or later.

    Title: Revealing the Effect of Abrasion on the Fate of Chiral Biosignature Molecules

    Research area and project description:
    Mars has long captured scientific and public interest as a potential alternative cradle for life. During the time when life began on Earth, Mars shared many critical features with our planet, including the presence of water, an atmosphere, and a global magnetic field that shielded its surface from solar winds. However, conditions on Mars drastically changed during the first 500 million years of its existence, and Mars turned into a desolate planet extremely hostile to life. This is why researchers no longer expect to find living organisms on Mars surface. Instead, they focus on the hunt for signs of past life, known as biosignatures.

    The most compelling biosignatures lies in the chirality of organic molecules. Chirality refers to the property of certain organic molecules, such as amino acids and sugars, to exist in two mirror-image configurations called D- and L-forms. A defining characteristic of all known life on Earth is its preference for one form over the other: amino acids in proteins exclusively adopt the L-form, while the sugars in DNA always exhibit the D-form.

    In this PhD project, you will investigate how chiral organic molecules interact with mineral surfaces under conditions involving erosion and electrical charging. Your work will focus on understanding their stability and the transformation processes they undergo. These insights will be critical for interpreting data from ongoing and future Mars missions.

    You will be placed in the Biology Department and be a member of the local interdisciplinary Mars group that meets regularly to discuss ongoing research. Members of the group will also assist you in preparing the experiments and analysing the data. You will also regularly visit the lab of Professor Uwe Meierhenrich at the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis (France) to perform measurements and data analysis (a total of 10 months).

    The pioneering nature of this project, combined with hands-on training on advanced analytical instruments—such as the enantioselective multidimensional gas chromatograph coupled to a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (GCxGC-TOF/MS) that you will use in the Meierhenrich lab—and the interpretation of complex data, will place you at the forefront of astrobiological research and qualify you for positions in both academia and industry.

    We are looking for a person who is eager to learn new techniques across various fields (chemistry, biology, geology, and physics) and who thrives on tackling experimental challenges with enthusiasm and enjoys working independently while staying motivated and focused.

    The start of the PhD project is: September or October 1st 2025.

    Qualifications and specific competences:
    Applicants must have a relevant Master’s degree or at least one year of a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biology or Physics or in related disciplines.

    Place of employment and place of work:
    The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Ny Munkegade 114-116, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark.

    Contacts:
    Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
    Professor, Kai Finster; Kai.Finster@bio.au.dk
    Professor, Uwe Meierhenrich; uwe.meierhenrich@univ-cotedazur.fr

    How to apply:
    For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide (https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/application-guide/). Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
    When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2025)

    1. Choose May 2025 Call with deadline 1 May 2025 at 23:59 CEST.
    2. You will be directed to the call and must choose the programme "Biology".
    3. In the boxed named "Study": In the dropdown menu, please choose: "Revealing the Effect of Abrasion on the Fate of Chiral Biosignature Molecules (REAFCB)"

    Please note:
    • The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.

    At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.

    Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.

    Application deadline: 2025-05-01
    Webpage: https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/
    Contact: Kai.Finster@bio.au.dk