Postdoctoral position in Astrochemistry / Experimental Astrophysics

Université Côte d'Azur; France; Sur place; EUR 35 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A prestigious research university in France seeks a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join an ERC-funded project on the origins of chiral organic molecules. The candidate will conduct experiments simulating interstellar ice environments using advanced radiation sources. Strong experience with ultra-high vacuum systems and infrared spectroscopy is required. This position offers a dynamic research environment and the possibility for renewal up to 3 years.

Prestations

Access to state-of-the-art equipment

Dynamic and diverse international research environment

Advanced training opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience with ultra-high vacuum systems.
• Experience with infrared spectroscopy and cryogenics.
• Motivation to work independently and in a team.

Responsabilités

• Contribute to experimental studies simulating interstellar ice environments.
• Set up and operate a new experimental astrophysical ice-simulation chamber.
• Perform in situ measurements using FTIR spectroscopy.

Connaissances

Hands-on experience with ultra-high vacuum systems

Infrared spectroscopy

Cryogenics

Molecular beam techniques

Excellent communication skills in English

Formation

PhD in Physical Chemistry, Physics or a related discipline

Description du poste

Interstellar Chiral Molecules – from amorphous interstellar ices to evolved planetary systems

Objective: We are seeking a motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher to join our team at the Institut de Chimie de Nice as part of the ERC Consolidator Grant ICE-EEVOLVE. This ambitious project aims to investigate the origins and evolution of chiral organic molecules in astrophysical environments—from cold interstellar ices to the early stages of planetary systems.

The successful candidate will contribute experimental studies simulating interstellar ice environments under controlled laboratory conditions, using advanced radiation sources including synchrotron, laser, electron and hydrogen lamp radiation.

Research: The emergence of homochirality—particularly the dominance of left-handed (L-) amino acids in terrestrial biology—remains one of the most compelling questions in origins-of-life research. Meteorites provide evidence that this molecular asymmetry predates Earth’s formation, possibly originating in cold, water-rich ices irradiated by circularly polarized starlight.

In ICE-EEVOLVE, we seek to unravel how chiral organic molecules, trapped in amorphous ice matrices, evolve from molecular clouds through star-forming regions to planetary systems. Laboratory simulations under astrophysically relevant conditions will provide key insights into asymmetric photochemistry and post-irradiation alteration processes.

The successful candidate will set up a new experimental astrophysical ice-simulation chamber coupled to a He closed-cycle cryostat capable of reaching temperatures as low as 5 K. Familiarity with building and operating vacuum systems is required, especially since several beam times are planned in which the setup will be transported to a VUV beamline in France. In situ measurements to monitor reactivity will be performed using FTIR spectroscopy.

Key references: i) Ionizing radiation exposure on Arrokoth shapes a sugar world. PNAS 121, e2320215121 (2024). ii) Uncovering the chiral bias of meteoritic isovaline through asymmetric photochemistry. Nature Communications 14, 3381 (2023). iii) Ribose and related sugars from ultraviolet irradiation of interstellar ice analogues. Science 352, 208–212 (2016).

We offer:

• Involvement in a cutting‑edge ERC‑funded research project in a rapidly developing field.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art equipment and radiation sources including synchrotron radiation facilities.
• A dynamic, diverse, and international research environment with advanced training opportunities, embedded in a networked research community at the interface of chemistry, physics, and astronomy.

We require:

• PhD in Physical Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong hands‑on experience with ultra‑high vacuum systems, infrared spectroscopy, cryogenics, and/or molecular beam techniques.
• Previous exposure to astrochemistry is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Motivation to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.

Starting date: January 2026 (with flexibility for a later start, if needed)

Duration: 12 months, renewable up to 3 years upon mutual agreement

If you’re passionate about exploring fundamental questions in astrochemistry and eager to contribute to a high‑impact ERC project, we would love to hear from you.

Applications should be sent to [e-mail] (combined as one PDF file), and should include:

• (1) a cover letter;
• (2) a CV including your scientific skills, your research experience and a complete list of publications;
• (3) a 2‑page summary of your PhD thesis or previous post‑doctoral work;
• (4) contact information for at least 2 referees; recommendation letters should be sent directly to Cornelia Meinert [e-mail].