Postdoctoral Fellow in Prebiotic Chemistry at Planetary Interfaces

Position Overview

We are seeking an individual to engage in the design, construction, and commissioning of reactors, sources, and sampling interfaces aimed at exploring chemistry under planetary analogue conditions. The focus will be on gas-solid interfaces, plasma chemistry, photochemistry, and sulfur chemistry.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments using reactive gas mixtures in contact with inorganic materials relevant to the early Earth and rocky planets, investigating the formation, transformation, and stability of prebiotic molecules.
• Combine reactor experiments with molecular-beam sampling, mass spectrometry, and advanced photoionization methods, including PEPICO spectroscopy, to identify products and reactive intermediates that illuminate reaction mechanisms.
• Develop and pursue complementary research directions within the Reaction Dynamics (PSI) and Experimental Planetology (ETHZ) groups, ensuring coordination across PSI, ETH Zurich, EPFL, and the broader NCCR Genesis network.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, and present work at international conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, geochemistry, planetary sciences, or a related discipline.
• Experience in designing, constructing, and operating complex experimental setups.
• Background in one or more of the following areas: reactor development, vacuum technology, gas handling, plasma or photochemical experiments, high-temperature chemistry, mass spectrometry, or advanced spectroscopy.
• Proven ability to translate broad scientific questions into robust experiments and to independently pursue parallel research directions.
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration, coupled with the ability to work constructively across institutions and scientific disciplines.

What We Offer

Joining our team means becoming part of an interdisciplinary research environment that connects the Reaction Dynamics Group at PSI with the Experimental Planetology group at ETH Zurich. You will benefit from close collaboration within the NCCR Genesis community, helping to establish new experimental capabilities focused on understanding how planetary environments, interfaces, and energetic processes contribute to the generation and transformation of prebiotic molecules.

The position provides access to advanced laboratory resources and large-scale research infrastructure at PSI, with opportunities to foster collaborations both within Switzerland and internationally, allowing significant latitude to steer new experimental directions in this emerging research field.

Our institution values interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic collaboration. You will enjoy a motivating work environment along with personal development opportunities. We are committed to supporting modern employment conditions and providing on-site infrastructure that assists in balancing work and family life or personal interests.

The terms of employment are limited to two years.