Postdoc in Cosmochemistry at StarPlan, Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen

Postdoctoral Researcher Position

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Centre for Star and Planet Formation (StarPlan) at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen. The position focuses on the cosmochemistry of carbonaceous chondrites and the evolution of the outer protoplanetary disk, using high-precision isotope systematics to trace mixing and late infall during planet formation. The position is offered for a fixed term of three years and is expected to commence on 1 January 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

StarPlan is a multidisciplinary research centre dedicated to understanding the formation and evolution of planetary systems, combining cosmochemistry, planetary science, astronomy, astrophysics and geochemistry. The successful candidate will join an international team and make use of the centre's established clean-laboratory and high-precision mass spectrometry facilities, including analytical protocols for Mg, Si and Fe isotopes developed in-house.

Your Job

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will work in a collaborative, international research environment at the forefront of meteorite-based cosmochemistry. Your main responsibilities will include:

• Determining high-precision Mg, Si, Fe and Cr isotope compositions of ungrouped and anomalous carbonaceous chondrites to quantify mixing in the outer disk.
• Carrying out quantitative petrography and characterising chondrules, rims, refractory inclusions and matrix by optical microscopy, SEM and electron microprobe analysis.
• Integrating bulk isotope data and petrography into mixing models that test late infall, ice processing and the transport of inner-disk material.
• Leading and contributing to the preparation of manuscripts and the dissemination of research findings in scientific journals.
• Collaborating across StarPlan and with international collections and facilities, and contributing to the intellectual life of the research group.

Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with the following competencies and experience:

• A PhD in cosmochemistry, geochemistry, meteoritics, planetary science, Earth sciences, or a closely related field.
• Experience with high-precision isotope analysis and clean-laboratory chemistry, and/or with quantitative petrography of meteoritic materials.
• Familiarity with mass spectrometry (e.g. MC-ICP-MS or TIMS) and isotope data reduction.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to translate complex datasets into insight on disk processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Desirable experience includes work with carbonaceous chondrites or sample-return materials (e.g. Ryugu, Bennu), electron microscopy and microanalytical techniques (SEM, EPMA, nanoSIMS, FIB), and experience with isotope mixing or disk-evolution models.

The place of employment is the Centre for Star and Planet Formation (StarPlan), Globe Institute (Øster Voldgade 5-7, 1350 Copenhagen), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically.

For further information regarding the position, please contact Professor Martin Bizzarro.

Your online application must be submitted in English and must include the following documents/attachments, all in PDF format:

• Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
• CV including education, work/research experience, language skills and other relevant skills.
• A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
• List of publications.

Deadline for applications: 30 August 2026, 23:59 CEST

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.