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:
UV processing pathways to enantiomeric asymmetry in interstellar molecular building blocks of life
Research area and project description:
The project will be carried out at Center for Interstellar Catalysis at Aarhus University – see http://intercat.au.dk/ for further information.
Under this PhD project we will investigate how circular polarized light (CPL) can induce enantiomeric excesses via photo-destruction and photo-desorption processes.
Energetic processing with CPL of molecular ices containing chiral molecules such as amino acids and sugars may induce enantiomeric excesses and provide a possible interstellar pathway to the chiral selectivity that governs amino acids and sugars in terrestrial life today. CPL has been observed at IR wavelengths and is predicted by models for UV wavelengths over large areas (covering entire star and planet forming regions) in interstellar molecular clouds due to light scattering from aligned anisotropic dust grains, e.g., in the Orion Nebula. Thus, the observed enantiomeric excesses in sugars and amino acids observed in some meteoritic samples may indicate a possible interstellar origin for these molecules.
The successful applicant will take part in the built up of the unique “AU Chiralice” setup at Aarhus University, which will allow processing of low temperature interstellar ice analogues with CPL in the VUV/UV range as well as in situ detection of enantiomeric excesses via circular dichroism measurements at Aarhus University or ex situ enantio-sensitive gas chromatography measurements in the laboratory of Cornelia Meinert at CNRS/Université Côte d’Azur. We will collaborate with theoreticians with Center for Interstellar Catalysis to identify expected fragmentation and reaction pathways following CPL photo-processing. In addition, the candidate will study the effect of CPL-induced desorption as a pathway to create chiral surface structures that may result in enantioselective catalytic activity.
Together, these approaches will allow us to explore pathways to chiral selectivity in formation and destruction of amino acids and sugars in the low temperature solid phase under molecular cloud and protoplanetary disk conditions.
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Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants must have a relevant Master’s degree or at least one year of a Master’s degree in physics, chemistry or astronomy. Candidates with experience with experimental surface science techniques or astrochemistry will bepreferred.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ny Munkegade 120, 8000 Århus C, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Prof. Liv Hornekær, liv@phys.au.dk or Research Director CNRS, Cornelia Meinert, cornelia.meinert@univ-cotedazur.fr
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.
