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 February 2027 or later.
Title:
PhD in Astrochemistry: Laboratory Studies of Radiation-Driven Chemistry and Desorption in Interstellar Ices
Research area and project description:
How does radiation transform the icy mantles on interstellar dust grains, and which molecules are released as stars and planets form? JWST now probes ices while ALMA maps related gas-phase molecules, but connecting these observations requires laboratory measurements under realistic conditions. This experimental PhD project will determine how energetic and thermal processing changes ice composition, structure, optical properties and molecular desorption.
Based in Sergio Ioppolo's laboratory at Aarhus University, the candidate will prepare pure, layered and mixed interstellar-ice analogues at 10-20 K under ultrahigh vacuum. Initial systems will include H2O, CO, CO2 and CH3OH, followed by selected complex organic molecules and N- and S-bearing species. FTIR spectroscopy, a cryogenic quartz-crystal microbalance, optical interferometry and time-resolved quadrupole mass spectrometry will be combined to obtain spectra, refractive indices, densities, desorption yields and thresholds.
Experiments at AU and the ASTRID2 synchrotron will expose the ices to wavelength-selected UV photons and 1-5 keV electrons. Short campaigns at HUN-REN Atomki in Hungary will extend the study to keV-MeV ion irradiation, providing analogues of solar particles and cosmic rays. Parallel diagnostics at AU and Atomki will enable direct comparison of photon-, electron- and ion-driven chemistry.
Together with co-supervisor Professor Jes Jørgensen and the BRIDGE observational PhD student at the University of Copenhagen, the candidate will connect the laboratory spectra and desorption data to JWST and ALMA observations. The project will create open spectral and desorption libraries and test whether observed gas-phase chemical diversity reflects release from processed ices or additional gas-phase chemistry. The position is funded by Independent Research Fund Denmark (DFF) through BRIDGE: From Laboratory Ices to Astronomical Observations (6208-00028B).
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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, astronomy, nanoscience or a related field and meet the GSNS admission requirements. Experience with ultrahigh vacuum, cryogenic experiments, FTIR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, surface science, laboratory astrochemistry, optical analysis or scientific programming is an advantage, but training will be provided. We seek a candidate who enjoys experimental design, careful data acquisition, quantitative analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration. The project includes short experimental campaigns at HUN-REN Atomki in Hungary.
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, 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 Jes Kristian Jørgensen, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, jeskj@nbi.ku.dk
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 September 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. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.
