Postdoc in Molecular Astrophysics (Astrochemistry) with JWST (1 yr)
Start Date
Flexible (1st June 2026 or later by agreement)
Employment Relationship
80-100%, fixed-term
Institution / Workplace
Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences (DCBP) Bern
With us, you create value.
For yourself and for society.
For yourself and for society.
Project Description
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
Your Benefits
- International reputation
- Strong research infrastructure and international network
- Collaborative environment and ambitious team
- Individual career support
Working at the University of Bern
The University of Bern not only offers exciting tasks but also an environment that actively promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what makes us stand out as an employer and how you can grow with us.
Application and Contact
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until filled. Apply by March 31st, 2026 for full consideration. Send the following documents in a single PDF to maria.drozdovskaya@unibe.ch
1. Motivation Letter (1 pg. max)
2. CV
3. Publication List
4. Contact information of 3 references (that may be contacted for a reference letter at a later stage)
1. Motivation Letter (1 pg. max)
2. CV
3. Publication List
4. Contact information of 3 references (that may be contacted for a reference letter at a later stage)