Cometary Science Newsletter
- Issue
- 120
- Month
- March 2026
- Editor
- Michael S. P. Kelley (msk@astro.umd.edu)
PhD in Molecular Astrophysics (Astrochemistry) and Star Formation (4 years)
How chemically complex do molecules in star-forming regions get and how do they form? Unbiased spectral surveys executed with the most powerful interferometers such as the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) allow us to robustly identify 100s of molecules and constrain their abundances in regions containing infant stars. Meanwhile, state-of-the-art physicochemical models permit us to disentangle the individual chemical pathways towards chemical complexity and identify the most conducive physical environments.
The first goal is to observationally study star-forming regions with ALMA, in order to identify chemically complex molecules, their isotopologs, and their abundances. The second goal is to model the physical processes of star and protoplanetary disk formation alongside chemical process that produce and destroy complex organic molecules. ALMA data and initial modelling framework are already available. By the end of the project, you are expected to defend your PhD thesis and emerge with dual expertise in, both, radio observations and physicochemical modelling. You will immediately become part of international consortia with ample opportunity to collaborate and build your network. This is a fixed-term, 4-year position funded by the European Research Council (ERC) 2025 Consolidator Grant (CoG) at the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences (DCBP), Universität Bern (UniBe), Switzerland. Apply by March 31st, 2026 for full consideration.
Postdoc in Molecular Astrophysics (Astrochemistry) with JWST (1 year)
What is the chemical composition of interstellar ices in molecular clouds, protostellar regions, and protoplanetary disks? With JWST, this can now be determined at an unprecedented accuracy.
The idea is to assemble an inventory of interstellar ice species and their abundances across the full evolutionary range of star- and planet-forming regions. Upon agreement, a specific evolutionary stage and corresponding JWST data set will be selected for a focused project achievable within the 1-yr timeframe. This is a short-term (1-yr with a potential extension depending on funding) postdoc opportunity, which could be ideal for a more experienced postdoc in need of bridge funding or an ambitious early postdoc, while applying for own independent funding, for example. Ample support will be provided for such pursuits of independent funding. As a more senior member of the group, you will be given significant autonomy and will help develop future research areas. You will have the opportunity to become part of international consortia with many opportunities to collaborate and expand your network. The initial fixed-term, 1-year position is funded by the European Research Council (ERC) 2025 Consolidator Grant (CoG) at the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences (DCBP), Universität Bern (UniBe), Switzerland. Apply by March 31st, 2026 for full consideration.
Postdoc in Molecular Astrophysics (Astrochemistry) with JWST (3 years)
What sets the chemical composition of planet-forming materials? By studying the composition of the earliest sites of star and planet formation with JWST, we can begin to unravel how natal environments predetermine planetary composition.
The goal is to observationally study prestellar cores and protostellar environments with JWST, in order to obtain a chemical inventory of the interstellar ices therein. To start, NIRCAM and NIRSpec data are already available for reduction and analysis. Of particular interest to the project are complex organic species and their precursors. Over the course of the project, emphasis will be placed on securing statistically significant samples. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be given significant autonomy and will help develop future research areas. You will immediately become part of international consortia with ample opportunity to collaborate and expand your network. This is a fixed-term, 3-year position funded by the European Research Council (ERC) 2025 Consolidator Grant (CoG) at the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences (DCBP), Universität Bern (UniBe), Switzerland. Apply by March 31st, 2026 for full consideration.