Postdoc in Molecular Astrophysics (Astrochemistry) with JWST (1 yr)

What is the chemical composition of interstellar ices in molecular clouds, protostellar regions, and protoplanetary disks? With JWST, this can now be determined at an unprecedented accuracy.

The idea is to assemble an inventory of interstellar ice species and their abundances across the full evolutionary range of star- and planet-forming regions. Upon agreement, a specific evolutionary stage and corresponding JWST data set will be selected for a focused project achievable within the 1-yr timeframe. This is a short-term (1-yr with a potential extension depending on funding) postdoc opportunity, which could be ideal for a more experienced postdoc in need of bridge funding or an ambitious early postdoc, while applying for own independent funding, for example. Ample support will be provided for such pursuits of independent funding. As a more senior member of the group, you will be given significant autonomy and will help develop future research areas. You will have the opportunity to become part of international consortia with many opportunities to collaborate and expand your network. The initial fixed-term, 1-year position is funded by the European Research Council (ERC) 2025 Consolidator Grant (CoG).

You will join a brand-new ambitious Molecular Astrophysics Group at the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences (DCBP) at Universität Bern (UniBe), founded on May 1st, 2026. With us, you will have a major impact on shaping the group’s culture and approach to science for the coming years. As a more experienced member of a new and growing research group, you will be expected to take on roles with more responsibilities, while benefiting from more facetime with your supervisor and short internal decision making. Powerful computers to facilitate work on JWST data will be made available. The Molecular Astrophysics Group will be an international team with scientific excellence, mutual empowerment, and collective resilience as its core values.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

- Reduce and analyze JWST data

- Lead publications in high-impact journals

- Present results at international conferences and consortia meetings

- Co-supervise MSc/PhD students (optional)

REQUIREMENTS

- PhD degree in a relevant field (astronomy, astrophysics, chemistry, physics)

- Research experience backed by a publication record

- Programming skills (e.g., Python)

- Interest to pursue independent funding

- Research experience with JWST data and/or molecular astrophysics

START DATE

June 1st, 2026 or later by agreement