Job Description

The Space Research and Planetary Sciences Division of the University of Bern is seeking candidates for a PhD in physics to work on Rosetta legacy mass spectrometer data obtained at comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P). The position, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), is nominally for 3 years with a possible 1 year extension.



The intended start date falls within the May-July 2026 timeframe.


The Bern-led high-resolution Double Focusing Mass Spectrometer (DFMS) aboard ESA's Rosetta mission to comet 67P revealed an unexpected chemical diversity and complexity in cometary matter. The research project uses DFMS legacy data as unique testbed to investigate cometary abiotic organic complexity and establish references for ongoing and future space missions - particularly those employing mass spectrometers in the search for signs of life.


Tasks
The PhD curriculum integrates chemical analytics, namely neutral gas mass spectrometry, with chemometrics and data science in the context of in situ space missions. A central focus lies in applying multivariate statistical methods to selected high-resolution mass spectra, followed by the chemical interpretation and contextualization of the results.

The PhD candidate will be working within a multidisciplinary team at one of the leading houses for space mission instrumentation in Europe and have the opportunity to present their research at international conferences and workshops.
Requirements


The position requires a Master of Science degree in physics, applied statistics, chemometrics or a related field. The following experiences will be a clear advantage:Mass spectrometry Organic chemistry Chemometrics or multivariate statistics Programming skills in Python
We offer


The salary will be determined according to SNSF regulations. Rules according to the University of Bern and Canton of Bern apply. Childcare allowance is available.

The Canton of Bern offers 25 days of vacation per year. Public holidays (e.g., Christmas, New Year, Easter, 1 August, etc.) come in addition.



The University of Bern is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in its workplace, and applications from under-represented groups are encouraged.
Application


Interested applicants are invited to submit a curriculum vitae (including details of professional experience and skills), a one-page motivation letter, contact information for two referees, and a transcript of Master-level grades to Dr. Nora Hanni: nora.haenni@unibe.ch



www.space.unibe.ch



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