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Delft University of Technology

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PhD in Experimental Characterisation of Icy Moons' Surfaces at TU Delft Delft University of Technology in Netherlands

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Paid PhD employment at TU Delft for 4 years (48 months) with an initial 1.5-year contract and a subsequent 2.5-year contract subject to performance/go-no-go assessment. Salary ranges from €3204 to €4051 gross per month over the four years, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Health insurance discounts and a monthly work costs contribution are mentioned.

Deadline

Sep 9, 2026

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Country

Netherlands

University

Delft University of Technology

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Keywords

Chemistry
Materials Science
Aerospace Engineering
Planetary Science
Astronomy
Earth Science
Mass Spectrometry
Astrobiology
Surface Physics
Ir Spectroscopy
Laboratory Experimentation
Physics

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About this position

PhD position at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering on experimental characterisation of icy moons' surfaces.

This project focuses on the surfaces and plume-related environments of Enceladus, with additional relevance to Europa and Ganymede. The research uses laboratory experiments in the PISCES (Planetary Ices Simulation Chamber for Enceladus and MoonS) facility to simulate icy moon conditions and study how gravity, temperature fluctuations, radiation effects, and deposition geometry influence icy grain formation, compaction, porosity, grain size, morphology, and mechanical properties.

The work is highly relevant to planetary science, physics, astronomy, Earth and planetary sciences, and materials science, and it supports future ESA missions, lander design, and interpretation of mission data (including JWST observations).

Eligibility: applicants should hold an MSc in physics, astronomy, Earth and/or planetary sciences, or a related area. Strong experimental skills are required; experience with UHV technology, mass spectrometry, flow dynamics, or IR spectroscopy is specifically mentioned. Good spoken and written English is required.

Funding and contract: this is a paid PhD employment position for 4 years (48 months), with an initial 1.5-year contract followed by a 2.5-year extension subject to a go/no-go assessment and performance. Salary is listed as €3204–€4051 gross per month, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. TU Delft also mentions health insurance discounts and a monthly work costs contribution.

Application deadline: 9 September 2026. Apply online with a CV and motivational letter, addressed to Dr. Stéphanie Cazaux. Applications sent by email or post will not be processed.

Funding details

Paid PhD employment at TU Delft for 4 years (48 months) with an initial 1.5-year contract and a subsequent 2.5-year contract subject to performance/go-no-go assessment. Salary ranges from €3204 to €4051 gross per month over the four years, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Health insurance discounts and a monthly work costs contribution are mentioned.

What's required

Applicants should have an MSc in physics, astronomy, Earth and/or planetary sciences, or a related field. A strong background in experimental techniques is expected, with experience in UHV technology, mass spectrometry, flow dynamics, or IR spectroscopy preferred. Proficiency in spoken and written English is required; the post also notes English proficiency is needed for doctoral education and thesis writing.

How to apply

Apply online via the application button by 9 September 2026. Upload a CV and motivational letter, and address the application to Dr. Stéphanie Cazaux. Do not send applications by email or post.

More information can be found here

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