University of Bern

We offer: The Department for Space Science and Planetology at the University of Bern not only studies a wide range of cosmochemical problems, but we are also involved in the development of new and better instruments for the laboratory and for space missions. We offer a PhD position in a highly motivating atmosphere and in well-equipped laboratories. The annual salary is set by a predetermined matrix of the Swiss National Science Foundation. Child allowance and maternity/paternity leave are offered. There will be a standard first year of probation. The successful candidate will participate in group meetings, research discussion, attend seminars and colloquia.

Homepage: https://space.unibe.ch

We invite applications for a 4-year Ph.D position in cosmochemistry in the research group of Prof. I. Leya at the University of Bern (Switzerland).
Project: Using our system for extracting CO₂ from meteorite samples and analyzing the gas for ¹⁴C/¹²C ratios using the MICADAS AMS system at LARA (University of Bern), we routinely measure terrestrial ages for stony meteorites. After our recent improvements of the ¹⁴C and ¹⁴C/¹⁰Be dating systems, we plan measuring terrestrial ages for some hot desert meteorites (Iran, Oman, …) to study weathering effects and the delivery of extraterrestrial material to Earth. In addition, part of the PhD project will be in improving/updating the existing extraction line to make the analysis more straightforward and faster. We are currently one of very few laboratories word-wide able to perform such studies.
Requirements: The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physics, planetary sciences or a discipline relevant for this study. The person should be enthusiastic, tenacious, and communicative. The project requires profound analytical and technical skills and some motivation to work in an interdisciplinary environment. Ideally, the candidate has some experience in at least some of fields: vacuum techniques, CO₂ extraction, AMS measurements, …

To apply, send a motivation letter including a personal statement (maximum 1 page), a CV (maximum 2 pages), a list of publications (if applicable), transcripts of your grades of courses obtained during your bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and a cover letter (1 page). The entire application should be submitted via email as a single pdf file to Ingo Leya (ingo.leya@unibe.ch). It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that furthermore one letter of recommendation is sent directly by the letter writers to I. Leya.