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

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc, with a strong background in mass spectrometry applied to inorganic chemistry and ideally with experience in handling astromaterials, who is ready to commence for a 2-year position from 1 March 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position will be based at the Centre for Star and Planet Formation (StarPlan) within the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen. Information on the department can be found at: https://globe.ku.dk/research/starplan/ .

The position is funded by the Villum Young Investigator grant “EXPRICE: Extraterrestrial proxies for icy pebble delivery towards a habitable Earth” awarded to Elishevah van Kooten. This project aims to understand the origin and evolution of pebble-sized astromaterials that contain a rich prebiotic inventory and bombarded the Hadean Earth during the era that was essential to set the stages for the origin of life. 

The StarPlan research group is based at the Globe Institute, a department in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. The Globe Institute main purpose is to address basic scientific questions through interdisciplinary approaches. The Institute conducts research into, among other topics, the origin, evolution and diversity of the universe, the Earth and life. Within the Globe Institute, the van Kooten Group is part of the Center for Star and Planet Formation. StarPlan houses an interdisciplinary group of astronomers, astrophysicists and cosmochemists who strive to work together to understand how our Solar System and exoplanetary systems work. The cosmochemistry section contributes to this purpose using state-of-the-art labs, instrumentation, and analytical techniques.

Our research
StarPlan is a research center focused on understanding the formation of planetary systems, including the Solar System, using a multidisciplinary approach that combines astronomy, astrophysics and cosmochemistry within the center but also with our wide and diverse group of international collaborators. The focus of the cosmochemistry section is centered on elucidating the timescales and processes leading to the formation of the Solar System, including the accretion and differentiation of rocky planets using a wide range of analytical techniques, including isotope geochemistry, innovative nano-analysis techniques for investigation of extra-terrestrial material and remote sensing. In detail, research topics include the Solar System’s presolar heritage, the formation, thermal processing and mass transport of early formed solids, the Solar System’s nucleosynthetic diversity and the formation history and evolution of Mars.

The postdoc position covers the understanding of nucleosynthetic isotope variability of Solar System materials and the origin of Earths late accretion through micrometeorites, using various analytical techniques including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray nanotomograpghy and multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. If selected for the open position, you will join an inclusive team already highly diverse in terms of gender, nationality, scientific background, and geographic origin.

Profile
We seek highly motivated individuals with a strong background in isotope geochemistry and/or planetary geology to join a dynamic group to pursue innovative research and take full advantage of the multidisciplinary environment the centre offers, including state-of-the-art isotope facilities. These include thermal-ionization and multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (Thermo Scientific Triton and Neptune, respectively) as well as ultra-clean laboratories. The ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

• You have a PhD in Earth and planetary sciences or related field.
• Strong background in mass spectrometry or related analytical techniques.
• Strong scientific track record demonstrated by high-quality publications in peer reviewed international journals as first author in the field of planetary sciences and cosmochemistry.
• You have good organizational and analytical skills and ability to meet strict deadlines,
• You have a proactive, flexible and problem-solving attitude,
• You have excellent multitasking and prioritizing skills,
• You have the ability to carry out duties in a structured and systematic manner and with a high degree of autonomy,
• You are prepared to occasionally travel within and outside Europe.
• You are excellent in written and oral communication in English.

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Centre for Star and Planet Formation, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen (Øster Voldgade 5-7, 1350 Copenhagen K). We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure.

About Globe Institute
The Globe Institute is part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. The Institute’s main purpose is to address basic scientific questions through interdisciplinary approaches. The institute operates at the intersection of natural and medical sciences and the humanities. Information on the institute can be found at: https://www.globe.ku.dk/.

The Globe Institute is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment where employees and students can belong and thrive. See website for more information. All qualified applicants will receive full consideration. Candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service, contribute to diversity and competencies of our Institute are encouraged to apply. The University of Copenhagen strives to offer a family friendly and flexible working environment with a sustainable balance between work- and private life, including parental leave schemes (up to 47 weeks for both parents) and up to six weeks of paid holidays per year. Researchers that have not been tax liable in Denmark for the last 10 years can apply for a special (reduced) tax scheme. The university offers a variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families.

Terms of employment
The position is full-time and the average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week. The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of two years. The start date is on 1 March 2024 or immediately thereafter.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 36,400 DKK/approx. 4,877 EUR (October 2023 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions
For further information please contact Elishevah van Kooten on elishevah.vankooten@sund.ku.dk.

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. 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.
4. List of publications.

Deadline for applications: 3 December 2023, 23.59pm CET.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

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