University of Bern
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PhD in Remote Sensing of Microorganisms in Extreme Environments University of Bern in Switzerland
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
The PhD position is funded for 4 years. Annual gross salary ranges from CHF 50,042 in the first year to CHF 53,263 in the final year. Travel, publication, and computing resources are funded, and child allowance plus maternity/paternity leave are offered.
Country
Switzerland
University
University of Bern
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About this position
PhD opportunity at the University of Bern in the Centre for Space and Habitability (CSH), within the new NCCR Genesis research infrastructure funded by SNSF.
The project focuses on remote sensing of microorganisms in extreme environments, especially the detectability of selected bacteria in ice/salt mixtures exposed to vacuum, extremely low temperatures, and high radiation. You will work with a high-sensitivity spectro-polarimeter, a temperature-vacuum chamber, an electron gun, and a UV light source to study biosignatures, bacterial survival, and whether spectro-polarimetry can probe fundamental structures such as cofactors or proteins in the near UV.
This is an interdisciplinary project spanning physics, biology, chemistry, earth science, astronomy, and engineering, with collaboration between Prof. Brice-Olivier Demory’s team at the University of Bern and the Microbiology Laboratory of Prof. Pilar Junier at the University of Neuchâtel. The research is relevant to future life-detection missions in the Solar System, including the planned ESA L4 mission to Enceladus.
Eligibility: MSc degree in physics or engineering; optics experience is an asset; basic understanding of polarisation is a plus; excellent oral and written English required.
Funding: Fully funded for 4 years with competitive salary (CHF 50,042 in year 1 to CHF 53,263 in year 4), plus travel, publication, and computing support. Child allowance and maternity/paternity leave are included.
Location: Centre for Space and Habitability, Bern, Switzerland.
How to apply: Send one PDF with a 2-page cover letter, CV, official Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts, and three referees’ contact details to [email protected]. Use the subject line “NCCR Genesis PhD2 position.” Applications are reviewed immediately until the position is filled.
Funding details
The PhD position is funded for 4 years. Annual gross salary ranges from CHF 50,042 in the first year to CHF 53,263 in the final year. Travel, publication, and computing resources are funded, and child allowance plus maternity/paternity leave are offered.
What's required
MSc degree in physics or engineering is required. Prior expertise in optics is an asset, basic understanding of polarisation is a plus, and excellent oral and written English skills are required. The call is open to all nationalities.
How to apply
Prepare a single PDF containing a 2-page cover letter, CV, official Bachelor's and Master's transcripts, and contact details of three referees. Email it to [email protected] with "NCCR Genesis PhD2 position" in the subject line. Applications are reviewed immediately until the position is filled.
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