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| Multiple PhD positions in the ESCHER (ExtraterreStrial prebiotic CHEmistRy) interdisciplinary research project | Closing date: 2019-12-15
Contact: Clio Gielen |
The Institute of Astronomy, KU Leuven, invites applications for 3 PhD positions in the fields of astrochemistry and exoplanets, under the supervision of Prof. Leen Decin (and co-supervisors) in the interdisciplinary ESCHER (Extraterrestrial Prebiotic Chemistry) project on the topics:
- Rocky exoplanets as chemical reactors
- Characterisation of supramolecular assemblies of nucleobases and solid surfaces as organising mechanism
- Prebiotic chemical discovery through quantum chemistry
A more detailed description of the projects can be found on https://fys.kuleuven.be/ster/vacancies#PhD_ESCHER | | ▸ more | The question of the origin of life is more than ever under the spotlight now that new telescopes allow scientists to detect biosignatures on exoplanets. However, the analysis and interpretation of these detections in terms of chemical and biological evolution heavily depends on our ability to understand how simple molecular units build larger macromolecular units and get (self-)organised under extraterrestrial circumstances. Mineral surfaces are thought to play a crucial factor, not only as catalysts for gas-phase reactions, but also as templates imprinting their structure onto available building units. The goal of this interdisciplinary ESCHER project is to address the role and impact of solid-state surfaces on (extra)terrestrial prebiotic chemistry. More information on the ESCHER project can be found on https://fys.kuleuven.be/ster/research-projects/escher.
The Host Institutes:
ESCHER is an interdisciplinary project between several research groups of KU Leuven (Belgium), including the Institute of Astronomy (Prof. Leen Decin), the Quantum Chemistry and Physical Chemistry division (Prof. Jeremy Harvey), and the Center for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis (Prof. Christine Kirschhock).
The selected PhD students will be offered a 2+2-year contract. The salary will be commensurate to the standard scale for PhD students in Belgium; it includes social and medical insurance as well as pension rights. The successful PhD applicants will have to register at, and comply with, the regulations of the Arenberg Doctoral School of the KU Leuven. The successful PhD applicants will follow a doctoral programme including personal training in management, science communication, and teaching.
We seek excellent students with a strong background in chemistry, physical sciences, mathematics and/or astrophysics. A successful candidate must hold a Masters degree or equivalent by the starting date of the position.
Instructions to apply:
The application package should be sent as one single PDF containing
(i) a curriculum vitae, with a publication list if relevant;
(ii) a statement of interest (max. one page, including a brief description of research interests and relevant experience, and the preferred PhD projects);
(iii) copies of university grades, certificates and/or diplomas;
(iv) names and contact details of 2 experts who are prepared to send confidential recommendation letters should they be requested to do so;
The application material should be sent as one PDF by e-mail to Clio.Gielen @ kuleuven.be with subject ?PhD-ESCHER-applicantname? by December 15th 2019. Applications that do not strictly follow these guidelines will not be considered.
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