Postdoc Position in Computational Astrochemistry Full-time

Postdoc Position in Computational Astrochemistry

Are you interested in astrochemistry and grain surface reactions? Within the Center for Interstellar Catalysis at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Aarhus University, we have an exciting postdoc opening within these research topics in the group of Assoc. Prof. Mie Andersen. The project is co-supervised by Asst. Prof. Thanja Lamberts from Leiden Observatory and the Institute of Chemistry at Leiden University in the Netherlands.

Complex organic molecules, e.g. sugars and amino acids, discovered in interstellar space are believed to originate from reactions taking place at nanoscale dust grain catalysts. Primarily, these grains are made up of Mg- or Fe-rich silicates or carbon-based materials. In cold and dense gas clouds, the grains are increasingly covered with ices of molecules such as water, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, which may impact their reactivity. In this postdoc project, the successful applicant will employ ab initio methods to study reactions towards complex organic molecules. The chosen reactions will be guided by experimental results from collaborators in the Center for Interstellar Catalysis. It will also be possible to pursue more independent theory-driven projects, including the development of new theoretical methods. In the group, we have extensive experience with machine learning (ML) methods, and it will be possible to include these approaches in the work. The ML methods could include approaches to accelerate structure optimization or the calculation of binding energies, diffusion and reaction barriers through ML interatomic potentials. The project will be physically anchored at the Center for Interstellar Catalysis at Aarhus University in Denmark and will take place in close collaboration with partners engaged in computational modelling and simulations, laboratory experiments and astrochemical observations. Visits to partners in Leiden are anticipated.

You can learn more about InterCat here, Mie Andersen's group here and Thanja Lamberts's group here.

Starting Date and Period

The starting date is flexible, from August 2026 onward. The duration of the employment is two years.

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must hold a PhD degree in physics, chemistry, nanoscience or related. Previous experience with ab initio calculations in astrochemistry or physical chemistry is required. Experience with programming in Python and/or ML methods will be considered a plus.

Personal Qualifications

The ability to work in teams as well as proficient oral and written communication skills (in English) are required. The Center for Interstellar Catalysis brings together research teams within theory, laboratory experiments and observational astrochemistry situated at Aarhus University and Copenhagen University in Denmark and Leiden University in the Netherlands. You will become part of a highly collaborative, supportive and international research environment that welcomes new ideas.

Place of Work and Area of Employment

The place of work is Ny Munkegade 120, 8000 Aarhus C and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

Application Procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self.

Formalities and Salary Range

Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here. Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities. Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.