Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Physics and Astronomy programme. The position is available from August 2026 or later.
Title:
PhD in Astrochemistry: Experimental Studies of Interstellar Ices
Research area and project description:
The PhD projects will be carried out under the Center of Excellence for Interstellar Catalysis, at the research nodes located at Aarhus University – see intercat.au.dk for further information. Regular visits to the HFML-FELIX facility and the Radboud University are expected. The project focuses on how vibrational energy deposited in interstellar ices by infrared radiation, cosmic rays, UV photons, or chemical reactions induces structural changes such as molecular diffusion, segregation, and desorption. Experiments carried out at HFML-FELIX will use ultrahigh vacuum surface science techniques, free-electron laser irradiation, and time-resolved spectroscopy (FTIR, QMS) to probe processes down to the millisecond timescale, complemented by molecular dynamics simulations and supporting experiments at Aarhus University.
For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When - as here - you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.
Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants to the PhD position must have a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Candidates with knowledge of astrochemistry and/or experimental surface science will be preferred.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Physics & Astronomy, Center for Interstellar Catalysis (InterCat), Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 120, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Associate Professor Sergio Ioppolo, s.ioppolo@phys.au.dk or Professor Herma Cuppen, Radboud University, The Netherlands, hcuppen@science.ru.nl
How to apply:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2026)
Please note:
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. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
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. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.
