PhD Position: Detectability of Life in Icy-Moon Conditions (NCCR Genesis)

About the role

The Centre for Space and Habitability (CSH) at the University of Bern is inviting applications for a PhD position within the new NCCR Genesis, a research infrastructure funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation that explores the emergence of life in the Universe. The project investigates how icy-moon environmental conditions affect the detectability of selected bacteria in ice/salt mixtures exposed to vacuum, extreme cold and high radiation, and informs future life-detection missions such as the planned ESA L4 mission to Enceladus.

Key responsibilities

• Investigate the impact of vacuum, extremely low temperatures and high radiation on bacteria in ice/salt mixtures using a high-sensitivity spectro-polarimeter interfaced with a temperature-vacuum chamber.
• Use an electron gun and a UV light source to study bacterial samples deposited on ice as a proxy for icy-moon conditions.
• Explore whether spectro-polarimetry can probe fundamental structures in microorganisms such as cofactors or proteins in the near UV, broadening the range of detectable biosignatures.

Required profile

• MSc degree in physics or engineering.
• Creative, motivated and a team player.
• Excellent oral and written English; prior expertise in optics is an asset and a basic understanding of polarisation is a plus.

What we offer

• Position funded for 4 years, with an annual gross salary from CHF 50,042 in the first year to CHF 53,263 in the final year.
• Funding for travel, publications and computing resources.
• Child allowance and maternity/paternity leave.
• Visa assistance for international candidates, career advice, mentorship and teaching opportunities.
• Work in an interdisciplinary team led by Prof. Brice-Olivier Demory, collaborating with the Microbiology Laboratory of the University of Neuchâtel.