PhD student position in space research and astrobiology

Vor 3 Tagen

Bern, Schweiz Kanton Bern Vollzeit

PhD student position in space research and astrobiology100% of the University of Bern is seeking candidates for a PhD in physics to work on Rosetta legacy mass spectrometer data obtained at comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P). The position, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), is nominally for 3 years with a possible 1 year extension.The intended start date falls within the May-July 2026 timeframe. The Bern-led high-resolution Double Focusing Mass Spectrometer (DFMS) aboard ESA's Rosetta mission to comet 67P revealed an unexpected chemical diversity and complexity in cometary matter. The research project uses DFMS legacy data as unique testbed to investigate cometary abiotic organic complexity and establish references for ongoing and future space missions – particularly those employing mass spectrometers in the search for signs of life. Tasks The PhD curriculum integrates chemical analytics, namely neutral gas mass spectrometry, with astrobiology in the context of in situ space missions. A central focus lies in the systematic evaluation of selected high-resolution mass spectra based on search methods targeting chemical groups of astrobiological interest, including sugars, lipids, molecules of prebiotic relevance, etc. Where necessary, data analysis will be accompanied by reference measurements carried out with the flight spare instruments in our laboratory.The PhD candidate will be working within a multidisciplinary team at one of the leading houses for space mission instrumentation in Europe and have the opportunity to present their research at international conferences and workshops. Requirements The position requires a Master of Science degree in astrochemistry, astrobiology or a related field. The following experiences will be a clear advantage:Mass spectrometry Programming skills in Python We offer The salary will be determined according to SNSF regulations. Rules according to the University of Bern and Canton of Bern apply. Childcare allowance is available.The Canton of Bern offers 25 days of vacation per year. Public holidays (., Christmas, New Year, Easter, 1 August, come in addition.The University of Bern is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in its workplace, and applications from under-represented groups are encouraged.

  • PhD student position in space research and chemometrics

    Vor 5 Tagen

    Bern, Bern, Schweiz University of Bern International Vollzeit

    100%The Space Research and Planetary Sciences Division of the University of Bern is seeking candidates for a PhD in physics to work on Rosetta legacy mass spectrometer data obtained at comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P). The position, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), is nominally for 3 years with a possible 1 year extension.The...

  • Phd Position

    vor 1 Woche

    Bern, Schweiz Insel Gruppe Vollzeit

    **What you can expect**: Project background and aims**:MRI of peripheral nerves, MR neurography,** - is a complementary and non-invasive diagnostic tool for evaluating peripheral nerve diseases. It enables morphological investigation of proximal and deeply situated nerve segments but is limited by the MRN sequence characteristics, such as being 2-D with...

  • PhD Position in Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering

    vor 4 Wochen

    Bern, Schweiz University of Bern Vollzeit

    PhD Position in Biocatalysis and Enzyme EngineeringUniversity of Bern is the third largest university in Switzerland. The position offers a world‑class scientific environment and outstanding infrastructure. In the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the research group of Prof. Rebecca Buller invites applications for a...

  • PhD position

    Vor 7 Tagen

    Bern, Bern, Schweiz University of Bern International Vollzeit

    100 %In the Hydrology Group at the Institute of Geography, University of BernStarting date: January 2026You will be part of the bilateral research project "Hydrology from Genes: what does eDNA tell us about melt contributions?" led by Dr. Natalie Ceperley. The project examines stream contributions and flow paths in snow and ice-dominated catchments of the...

  • PhD Position in Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering

    vor 3 Wochen

    Bern, Schweiz University of Bern International Vollzeit

    PhD Position in Biocatalysis and Enzyme EngineeringThe University of Bern invites applications for a full‑time (100%) PhD position lasting four years, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. The position is part of a research group led by Prof. Rebecca Buller in the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences.Your roleWe are...

  • Phd or Md-phd Student Position

    vor 1 Tag

    Bern, Schweiz Insel Gruppe Vollzeit

    **_Project background:_**: - Project/aims/to do's: Starting point of your PhD project is a group of patients suffering from ultra-rare inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) which cause a disruption of central energy-conserving pathways such as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and the malate aspartate shuttle (MAS). Malate dehydrogenase 2 (MDH2) deficiency is...

  • PhD Position

    vor 2 Wochen

    Bern, Bern, Schweiz University of Bern International Vollzeit CHF 60'000 - CHF 120'000 pro Jahr

    ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering ResearchThe ARTORG Organs-on-Chip Technologies Lab (Prof. O. Guenat) integrates microfluidic engineering with advanced cell biology to create next-generation disease models. In collaboration with ETH Zürich (Prof. C. Halin) and the University of Bern (Prof. C. Bourquin), this project aims to advance understanding of...

  • PhD student position in climate sciences

    vor 2 Wochen

    Bern, Bern, Schweiz University of Bern International Vollzeit CHF 45'000 - CHF 80'000 pro Jahr

    100%Institute of Geological SciencesStarting date 1 Aprilfully-funded for 4 yearsAre you passionate about using cutting-edge technology to explore the secrets of Earth's past climate and environment? Do you thrive on interdisciplinary challenges and big data? Join our team at the University of Bern for an exciting PhD position exploring the ancient world of...

  • PhD Position in Sociology

    vor 2 Wochen

    Bern, Bern, Schweiz Kanton Bern Vollzeit CHF 50'000 - CHF 70'000 pro Jahr

    **PhD Position in Sociologyfull time**Institute of Sociology, University of BernStart of employment: January 2026 or by agreementDuration: Up to 4 yearsThe Institute of Sociology (IfS) at the University of Bern invites applications for a doctoral position (PhD candidate, full time), starting on January 1 or by mutual agreement. The position is part of a...

  • Phd Student in Neuroscience in Bern, Switzerland

    vor 1 Tag

    Bern, Schweiz University of Bern Vollzeit

    Applications are invited for a PhD student in neuroscience. The Center for Experimental Neurology () is a unique translational research center in the Department of Neurology at the Inselspital University Hospital Bern, in Switzerland. The ZEN fosters strong collaborations between clinical and experimental laboratories with long-standing expertise in sleep...