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 Aarhus and Leiden Universities. 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
There are currently 3, fully-funded PhD positions available within the center at Aarhus University. Intended start dates fall between Autumn 2020 through Spring 2021.
What is on offer
The successful candidates will work under the supervision of Prof. Liv Hornekaer, in the Laboratory for Astrophysics and Reactions on Surfaces. We are looking for enthusiastic students with experience in experimental surface science and/or astrochemistry to fill positions in experimental surface astrophysics and astrochemistry. A suite of surface science techniques, including scanning probe microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, under ultrahigh vacuum and down to helium cryogenic temperatures will be used to synthesize and characterize realistic interstellar dust grain analogues and to follow the buildup of chemical complexity via catalytic reactions on their surfaces. Research stays at Leiden University are foreseen.
The positions are fully funded and the successful candidate will be registered as a student with the graduate school for natural sciences at Aarhus University and receive a competitive monthly gross salary in accordance with Danish law – link to GSNS.
Who can apply
Applicants to the PhD position must have a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Candidates with knowledge of astrochemistry and/or experimental surface science will be preferred. You should be proficient in both written and spoken English. We encourage a diverse population make up and culture at InterCat, and particularly encourage applications from those in minority groups not traditionally well represented in a Physics research environment.
How to apply
Interested candidates are suggested to contact us using intercat@phys.au.dk, and to include a 2-page CV, a 1-page cover letter, a list of grades for all courses taken for your degree and the names and contact details for at least two references.
The deadline for applications falls on 31st December 2020 but positions will be filled as candidates become available so you are advised to contact the center as soon as possible to express your interest. In most cases, interviews will be used, either in person or virtually, to screen candidates and you may be asked to provide letters of reference.
The research environment
The Graduate School of Natural Sciences is one of the largest graduate schools at Aarhus University with almost 400 PhD students enrolled. PhD programmes at GSNS are well structured, and participation in PhD courses, visits to international research institutions or universities and dissemination of knowledge are parts of the PhD education. Aarhus is Denmark’s second largest city, a true student town, compact and situated by the sea.
