About the Project
A PhD project is available through InterCat - The Center for Interstellar Catalysis at Leiden University, the Netherlands
What is on offer
In the Laboratory for Astrophysics at Leiden Observatory, the Netherlands, a 4 yrs PhD project is available in the field of solid state astrochemistry under supervision of Prof. Harold Linnartz. The research focuses on the formation of complex organic molecules (COMs) in inter- and circumstellar ice analogues and aims at a detailed characterization of the involved chemical networks. The ultimate goal is to explain the chemical complexity observed in star and planet forming regions as well as in our own Solar System. For this laboratory data are directly compared with astronomical observations (ALMA, JWST) and used as input for astrochemical models.
The project will use SURFRESIDE3, an unique ultra-high vacuum setup, equipped with three independent atomic beam lines, to simulate dark interstellar cloud processes on icy dust grains. Newly formed COMs are identified using IR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric techniques. In the recent past, the setup has been used to show how water and small sugars/sugar alcohols form on cryogenic surfaces (10-20K) through non-energetic processing, i.e., the dominant chemical trigger under dark cloud conditions.
What is InterCat?
The scientific aim of the Center for Interstellar Catalysis is to determine whether the production of the molecular building blocks of life, e.g., sugars, amino acids, fats and DNA bases, predates the formation of stars and planets, and occurs at the extremely low temperatures and pressures found in interstellar space. InterCat brings together research teams within surface science, nanoscience, heterogeneous catalysis and experimental and observational astrochemistry situated at Leiden and AarhusUniversities. InterCat is a Center of Excellence funded by the Danish National Research Foundation and is hosted at Aarhus University with a node at Leiden University
Who can apply
We are searching for enthusiastic students with a master (or equivalent) degree in experimental physics, physical chemistry or instrumentation and with a strong interest in astronomy, preferably with experience with UHV and cryogenic techniques, mass spectrometry and/or IR spectroscopy. Very good English skills, spoken and written, are a prerequisite. The research projects are performed in close collaboration with the INTERCAT team and this also involves secondments in Aarhus. It is common that PhD students in the laboratory are also involved in astronomical observing projects. The selected candidate will actively participate in the scientific and social life of the Observatory. Our PhD students contribute to the astronomy curriculum as a teaching assistant. We offer participation in (inter)national meetings, coaching through an extensive personal development skills program, a competitive salary and excellent secondary working conditions.
How to apply
Applicants are requested to send a mail to [Email Address Removed] cc’ing [Email Address Removed] that includes a motivation letter, a scientific CV with a short overview of experimental skills, a list with grades of all bachelor/master courses, as well as the names of two persons we can contact to ask for a supporting letter of recommendation. Note that the position will be filled before the deadline for applications if a suitable applicant is found so please contact as soon as possible for if you are interested.
The Research Environment
Leiden Observatory is part of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Leiden University, the Netherlands. It is one of world’s largest academic observatories. A scientific team of 30 staff members, about 60 postdocs and more than 80 PhD students covers all relevant topics in astronomy. Together with a large supporting staff, we teach 250 bachelor and 130 master students in astronomy. The Laboratory for Astrophysics is part of the astrochemistry cluster at Leiden Observatory, that also involves the research groups of Prof. Ewine van Dishoeck, Prof. Serena Viti, Prof. Xander Tielens and Prof. Michael Hogerheijde.
For any questions, please contact Prof. Harold Linnartz ([Email Address Removed])
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