PhD Position in Computational Astrobiology and Quantum Chemistry

Publiceringsdatum: 2025-03-28

Det är nu möjligt för dig att få jobb som doktorand hos Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB. Intresserade sökes för heltid-jobb hos Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB - är du intresserad? De letar efter någon som vill jobba 6 månader eller längre. Platsen där jobbet finns ledigt är i Göteborg.

Om du är intresserad av en karriär inom doktorand, ta en titt på den lediga tjänsten som Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB erbjuder för att se om det är en matchning. Du har fortfarande tid att söka jobbet som doktorand hos Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB om du sickar in din ansökan senast sista ansökningsdag som är söndag den fjärde maj 2025.

Jobbannons

Join us in pushing the boundaries of astrobiology and prebiotic chemistry! We are seeking a creative and skilled PhD student to perform research in quantum chemistry applied to astrochemistry and astrobiology. You will collaborate with leading experts across disciplines—computational chemists, experimentalists, and planetary scientists—to investigate the origins of life’s building blocks.

Information about the project.

This project tackles multidisciplinary and fundamental questions at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and planetary science. We aim to explore the environmental limits of prebiotically relevant chemistry and computationally evaluate scenarios for macromolecular formation, including the emergence of the earliest polypeptides. One of the key contexts for this research is Saturn’s moon Titan, often described as a unique natural laboratory in some aspects reminiscent of the early Earth. By performing quantum mechanical calculations that model Titan-like conditions, you will investigate how life’s precursors might arise there. Your work will involve collaboration with experimentalists and planetary scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Recent advances that set the stage for this research include:

• Foundational studies on the role of hydrogen cyanide in prebiotic chemistry
• Pioneering quantum-chemical tests of astrobiological hypotheses
• Discovery of co-crystals stabilized by Titan-like conditions

The Research Group

You will join Martin Rahm’s research group in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers. We ask fundamental questions relevant to computational materials design, the origins of life, and quantum computation. We foster an open, interdisciplinary environment that values collaboration and mentorship. More information about our activities can be found on our group webpage.

Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate who has completed (or is on track to complete) a master’s degree or an equivalent advanced program in a relevant field—such as chemistry, materials science, or physics, with a strong foundation in quantum chemistry or computational physics.*

• Note for U.S. applicants: A European MSc is roughly equivalent to completing a graduate-level degree or sufficient graduate coursework and research experience after the bachelor’s degree. A 4-year bachelor's degree is accepted. Applicants who do not meet the general admission requirements may be admitted according to a special admission procedure.

The successful candidate must have strong communication skills, both oral and written, in English. We seek someone who is highly motivated, creative, and capable of working both independently and in close collaboration with others. A curious mindset and a genuine passion for fundamental science are prerequisites.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Exposure to organic chemistry, astrochemistry, space science, programming, condensed matter physics, or theoretical chemistry.
• Familiarity with Python, periodic DFT software (e.g., VASP), or quantum chemistry packages (e.g., Gaussian, ORCA)

Major responsibilities

• Perform quantum chemical (DFT and ab initio) calculations on molecular and periodic systems.
• Seek evidence for the structure, function, and formation of prebiotically relevant polymers from simple building blocks.
• Collaborate with experimentalists and planetary scientists to compare computational predictions with laboratory measurements and Titan observations
• Pursue your own doctoral studies, including developing novel scientific concepts and communicating results in English (both oral and written).
• Contribute to teaching at the undergraduate level or perform other duties (up to 20% of working hours).
• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Chemistry.

Contract terms and what we offer

As an employed doctoral student in Sweden, you will receive a competitive starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month and enjoy excellent working conditions, including a minimum of 28 days of paid vacation per year, comprehensive health insurance, and generous parental leave. You can read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits  for employees. The position is limited to four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position to five years.

You will be part of a dynamic, international environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg, where diversity, collaboration, and work-life balance are highly valued. Chalmers actively promotes equality and diversity through initiatives like the GENIE gender Initiative for excellence. 

The working language in the research group and the Department is English. If you would like to learn Swedish, Chalmers offers courses.

Discover more

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here. 

Application procedure

Please go to this webpage to read about the application procedure and apply: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=13832&rmlang=UK 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline: Star Wars Day, May 4th, 2025

For questions please contact:

Associate Prof. Martin Rahm

We look forward to your application!

• ** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***