PhD Position in Planetary Science, NCCR Genesis, University of Geneva, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
One Genesis-funded 4-year PhD position is currently available at the University of Geneva Department of Astronomy and CVU (Life in the Universe Center), in strong collaboration with ETH Zürich, starting on September 1st 2026. The successful candidate will perform simulations of rocky planets’ interior-atmosphere interactions. They will be fully integrated within the Exoplanet Team at the Observatory of Geneva and will also be integrated in Prof. P. Tackley’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics group at ETH Zürich.
Start date: September 2026
Deadline: Review of applications will begin on 15th June 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
Post-Doctoral Position on Astrochemistry/Planetology in Aix-Marseille University, PIIM Laboratory
Impact of space weathering to detect organic matter in mineral matrices simulating solar system bodies
This project investigates the origin and chemical evolution of extraterrestrial organic matter in past or present aqueous environments of Solar System bodies. Primitive bodies of our solar system, such as comets and asteroids, are rich in organic matter and their study can provide important information about the nature of the organic matter delivered to the planets and satellites of the solar system, which could have led to prebiotic chemistry. However, primitive bodies and planetary surfaces such as Mars are generally subject to space weathering (ultraviolet light, cosmic rays) due to the
absence (or negligible presence) of an atmosphere. For the detection of OM in solar system bodies, it is of paramount importance to know the extent to which space weathering will affect their detectability and attenuate OM signatures. This topic is in line with the return of samples from asteroids (Hayabusa 2, Osirix-Rex), the current and future mission to Mars (Curiosity-ExoMars), and the observations of small Solar System bodies (e.g. Ceres and the TNOs), especially with the new opportunities provided by JWST.
The preferred candidate will have a PhD (or close to completion) in astrochemistry, planetary sciences, chemistry or a closely related field, with knowledge and familiarity in spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV, Raman) and experimental works.
STARTING DATE: expected before July 2026