PhD Position: Remote Sensing of Microorganisms in Extreme Environments (NCCR Genesis)

About the role

The Centre for Space and Habitability at the University of Bern is recruiting a PhD student within the new NCCR Genesis project, which explores the emergence of life in the Universe. The project investigates how icy-moon conditions affect the detectability of selected bacteria in ice/salt mixtures exposed to vacuum, extremely low temperatures and high radiation. It uses a high-sensitivity spectro-polarimeter interfaced with a temperature-vacuum chamber, an electron gun and a UV light source, and tests whether spectro-polarimetry can probe fundamental structures such as cofactors or proteins in the near UV. The candidate joins an interdisciplinary team led by Prof. Brice-Olivier Demory, working closely with the Microbiology Laboratory of the University of Neuchâtel.

Key responsibilities

• Study the impact of vacuum, cryogenic temperatures and high radiation on bacteria in ice/salt mixtures
• Use a spectro-polarimeter, temperature-vacuum chamber, electron gun and UV light source to measure bacterial samples on ice
• Investigate whether spectro-polarimetry can detect fundamental biosignatures such as cofactors or proteins
• Contribute to the preparation of future life-detection missions such as the planned ESA L4 mission to Enceladus

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; a basic understanding of polarisation is a plus

What we offer

• Fixed-term position of 4 years, starting 1 February 2027, with an annual gross salary of CHF 50,042 in the first year rising 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

Applications are open to all nationalities and consist of a 2-page cover letter, a CV, official transcripts of the Bachelor's and Master's degrees and contact details of three referees. Applications are sent as a single PDF to the university's CSH office, and the review starts immediately and continues until the position is filled.