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:
Readvertisement: PhD in Astrochemistry: Infrared-Driven Energy Dissipation and Structural Change in Complex Interstellar Ices
Research area and project description:
Infrared radiation influences icy dust grains as interstellar clouds evolve into star- and planet-forming regions, yet we do not know how absorbed vibrational energy moves through chemically complex ices or when it causes restructuring and molecular desorption. This PhD project will determine how ice composition, molecular environment and excitation wavelength control these processes.
The candidate will prepare astrophysically relevant mixed ices under ultrahigh-vacuum and cryogenic conditions. The experiments will combine major ice components (H2O, CO and CO2) with minority species such as methanol, aromatic and carbon-chain molecules, and selected amino acids. Infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry will be used to measure spectral fingerprints, energy dissipation, segregation, restructuring and desorption after wavelength-selective IR excitation. Targeted campaigns at the LISA end station of HFML-FELIX in Nijmegen will provide intense, tunable infrared radiation. Complementary experiments, sample preparation and data analysis will be carried out at Aarhus University.
The student will be based at Aarhus University and will undertake short research stays at FELIX, totalling at most a few months per year, working with co-supervisor Professor Herma Cuppen. Results will be interpreted together with InterCat2 collaborators developing molecular-dynamics and machine-learning models and will support the analysis of JWST ice observations. Validated spectra will be contributed to LIDA or equivalent databases.
The PhD position is funded by the Center of Excellence for Interstellar Catalysis (InterCat2), an interdisciplinary and international research environment connecting laboratory astrochemistry, theory and astronomical observations. The project will reveal how infrared radiation regulates the physical evolution of interstellar ices and the transfer of molecules from ice to gas during star and planet formation.
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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, infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, surface science, laboratory astrochemistry or scientific programming is an advantage, but training will be provided. We seek a candidate who enjoys careful experimental work, quantitative data analysis and collaboration across disciplines. The project requires short research stays in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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 M. Cuppen, Radboud University and HFML-FELIX, The Netherlands, h.cuppen@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 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.
