Postdoctoral position in Astrochemistry / Experimental Physical Chemistry

Université Côte d'Azur; France; Sur place; EUR 20 000 - 40 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research university in France is seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher for an ERC-funded project investigating chiral organic molecules in astrophysical environments. The successful candidate will engage in experimental studies, utilizing advanced radiation sources and contributing to a dynamic research team. A PhD in Physical Chemistry or a related field is required, along with strong hands-on experience in relevant techniques. Starting date is January 5, 2026.

Prestations

Access to state-of-the-art research equipment

Opportunities for advanced training

Dynamic and international research environment

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience with ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Motivation to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.

Responsabilités

• Contribute to experimental studies simulating interstellar ice environments.
• Involvement in a cutting-edge ERC-funded research project.
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and radiation sources.

Connaissances

Strong hands-on experience with ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems

Infrared spectroscopy

Cryogenics

Molecular beam techniques

Previous exposure to astrochemistry

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Motivation to work independently and collaboratively

Formation

PhD in Physical Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related discipline

Description du poste

Organisation/Company Université Côte d'Azur Department Institut de Chime de Nice, CNRS UMR7272 Research Field Physics > Chemical physics Physics > Solid state physics Chemistry > Physical chemistry Astronomy > Astrophysics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country France Application Deadline 30 Nov 2025 - 18:00 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 5 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Reference Number 101170457 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

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 to experimental studies simulating interstellar ice environments under controlled laboratory conditions, using advanced radiation sources including synchrotrons, lasers, and hydrogen lamps.

• 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

Context: 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.

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).

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.

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.

(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

PhD in Physical Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related discipline

Specific Requirements

• Strong hands-on experience with ultra-high vacuum (UHV) 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

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Institut de Chimie de Nice, CNRS UMR7272 Country France City Nice Postal Code 06108 Geofield