Postdoctoral position in Astrochemistry / Experimental Physical Chemistry (M/F/D)

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 35 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A renowned research organization in France is seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Institut de Chimie de Nice for an ERC-funded project. You will investigate the origins and evolution of chiral organic molecules in astrophysical environments. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Physical Chemistry or a related field, and strong hands-on experience with ultra-high vacuum systems and infrared spectroscopy. This role offers a dynamic international research environment with a focus on fundamental questions in astrochemistry.

Prestations

Access to state-of-the-art equipment

Advanced training opportunities

International research environment

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience with ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems, infrared spectroscopy, and cryogenics.
• Previous exposure to astrochemistry is a plus.
• Motivation to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsabilités

• Contribute to experimental studies simulating interstellar ice environments.
• Investigate the origins and evolution of chiral organic molecules.
• Access state-of-the-art equipment and radiation sources.

Connaissances

Experience with ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems

Infrared spectroscopy

Cryogenics

Molecular beam techniques

Written and verbal communication in English

Formation

PhD in Physical Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Institut de Chimie de Nice Research Field Chemistry ” Physical chemistry Chemistry ” Computational chemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Country France Application Deadline 26 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 2 Mar 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC 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

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.

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

Starting date: Fall 2025;
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 written in English 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] ).