Postdoc Position in Laboratory Astrochemistry

Natural Sciences - Institut for Fysik og Astronomi; Denmark; On-site; DKK 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Aarhus University in Denmark invites applications for a 2-year postdoctoral position in laboratory astrochemistry under the supervision of Prof. Liv Hornekær at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University.

The project combines ERC Synergy IRAstro and InterCat work, focusing on molecule formation on interstellar dust grain analogues using low-temperature STM, TPD, and IR spectroscopy. The successful candidate will work with theoreticians and other experimental groups, map reaction

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or a closely related field.
• Strong experience in experimental surface science, UHV techniques, and surface catalysis/reactions.
• Background in laboratory astrochemistry is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Map catalytic pathways and reaction rates on interstellar grain analogue surfaces using STM, TPD, and RAIRS.
• Develop, maintain and troubleshoot various experimental UHV setups.
• Participate in maintenance of the group laboratories.
• Analyze data and publish scientific papers.
• Supervise PhD, Master and bachelor students.
• Perform project administration and writing reports.

Job description

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, < email deleted for security reasons >.

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 28 October 2026.

Salary and terms

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

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.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

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.