Postdoc Position in Laboratory Astrochemistry

1000scholars; Aarhus; Sur place; DKK 430 000 - 520 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Aarhus University in Aarhus, Denmark, invites applications for a postdoctoral position in laboratory astrochemistry under the supervision of Prof. Liv Hornekær at the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

The role involves experimental work on interstellar dust grain analogue surfaces, using STM, TPD and RAIRS to study molecule formation under low temperature/low pressure conditions. The successful candidate will collaborate with theoreticians and other astrochemistry groups, supervise students,

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or related field with strong experience in experimental surface science, UHV techniques, catalysis/reactions on surfaces and atomic-scale characterization. Background in laboratory astrochemistry preferred.
• Ideal candidate possesses good collaboration skills and able to work independently.

Responsabilités

• Map catalytic pathways and reaction rates on interstellar dust grain analogue surfaces using STM, TPD, and RAIRS.
• Develop, maintain and troubleshoot on various experimental UHV setups.
• Participate in maintenance of the group laboratories.
• Perform data analysis and contribute to writing scientific publications.
• Supervise PhD, Master and bachelor students.
• Take on project administration tasks such as writing reports.

Connaissances

PhD in physics or related field

experimental surface science

UHV techniques

surface catalysis

atomic-scale characterization

collaboration

Formation

PhD degree in physics or related field

Outils

STM

TPD

RAIRS

IR spectroscopy

Description du poste

The Aarhus Laboratory Astrochemistry Group is seeking applications for a postdoctoral position in laboratory astrochemistry under supervision of Prof. Liv Hornekær at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Aarhus University.

Job description

The successful applicants will participate in the experimental research activities under ERC Synergy Grant IRAstro and DNRF Center of Excellence for Interstellar Catalysis – InterCat. This combined project aims at elucidating how molecules on interstellar dust grain analogue surfaces organize, react and dissipate energy under low temperature and low pressure conditions mimicking dense interstellar dust and molecular clouds. The applicant will use low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), temperature programmed desorption, and (single molecule) IR spectroscopy to follow in situ reactions leading to complex molecule formation on realistic dust grain analogue surfaces. Close collaboration with theoreticians, observers and the experimental astrochemistry groups at Aarhus University and at the nodes of collaborative partners is expected.

The job includes:

• Mapping of catalytic pathways and reaction rates on interstellar dust grain analogue surfaces using STM, TPD, and RAIRS.
• development, maintenance and troubleshooting on various experimental UHV setups
• participating in maintenance of the group laboratories.
• data analysis and writing scientific publications.
• supervision of PhD, Master and bachelor students.
• project administration, such as writing reports etc.

Qualifications

Candidates should have a PhD degree in physics or similar field, with strong experience in experimental surface science, UHV techniques, catalysis/reactions on surfaces and atomic scale characterization. A background in laboratory astrochemistry is preferred.

The ideal candidate has good collaboration skills and is also able to work independently.

About IRAstro - Molecular Quantum Dynamics in Low-Temperature Astrochemistry

The ERC Synergy project IRAstro brings together leading researchers in physics, chemistry, and astrochemistry to uncover how molecules behave and react under the extreme conditions of interstellar space.

Recent observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) reveal the complexity of low temperature molecular ices frozen out on interstellar dust grains in regions where new stars and planetary systems are formed. Interpreting these observations requires a deeper understanding of the fundamental physical and chemical processes that govern molecular behaviour at temperatures close to absolute zero.

IRAstro addresses this challenge by combining cutting‑edge laboratory experiments, advanced instrumentation, and first‑principles theory. The project focuses on the quantum dynamics of molecules in low‑temperature condensed phases - a frontier area essential for understanding how chemical complexity arises in space.

https://phys.au.dk/irastro

About InterCat – Center for Interstellar Catalysis

InterCat is a center of excellence supported by the Danish National Research Foundation. The center is situated at the Department of Physics and Astronomy and at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center at Aarhus University in Denmark, at Leiden Observatory at Leiden University in the Netherlands and Niels Bohr Institute at University of Copenhagen in Denmark. See https://phys.au.dk/intercat/ for further details.

The scientific aim of the Center for Interstellar Catalysis is to determine whether the production of the molecular building blocks of life, e.g., sugars, amino acids, fats and DNA bases, predates the formation of stars and planets, and occurs at the extremely low temperatures and pressures found in interstellar space.

InterCat thus aims to determine the molecular starting conditions for the origin of life across the universe.

InterCat brings together research teams within surface science, nanoscience, heterogeneous catalysis and experimental and observational astrochemistry.

Expected start date and duration of employment

This is a 2-year postdoc position expected to start 1 March 2027 or as soon as possible.

Contact information

For further information, please contact: Prof. Liv Hornekær, [e-mail].

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 28 October 2026.

Formalities and salary range

Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions at basic salary steps 4-8.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.

We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners.

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU.

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.