Postdoctoral Position in Modelling Titan's Atmosphere

Join us!

Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, is one of the most Earth-like bodies in the Solar System. Its dense, nitrogen-rich atmosphere, seasonal variations, and hydrocarbon-based hydrological cycle make it a prime candidate for exploring the chemical precursors of life. Despite significant advancements thanks to Cassini-Huygens mission, key questions remain unanswered, such as How complex is the chemistry in Titan’s atmosphere? Are there precursors to biomolecules among the products of this chemistry?

In the upper atmosphere of Titan photons coming from the Sun initiates a rich chemistry leading to the formation of hydrocarbon clouds and of haze – polymer-like particles originating from the growth and condensation of these hydrocarbons.

This project aims to address these questions by creating a detailed photochemical model of Titan’s atmosphere. The model will incorporate new mechanisms for the formation of large hydrocarbons, such as PAHs and nitrile heterocycles, based on the latest results from experiments and quantum chemistry calculations. The results of the models will be compared with available data from Cassini and other remote sensing mission.

Een goed salaris

Je salaris wordt bepaald op basis van jouw ervaring en senioriteit, conform de CAO Universiteiten. Je inschaling en dus de genoemde bedragen zijn gebaseerd op een volledig dienstverband van 38 uur per week.

232 vakantie-uren

Ook bieden we ouderschapsverlof, partnerverlof en verlof wegens maatschappelijke betrokkenheid. Via de Menukaart Arbeidsvoorwaarden zijn er mogelijkheden tot nog meer vakantie-uren.

Financiële regelingen

Bovenop je salaris ontvang je vakantiegeld (8%) en een eindejaarsuitkering (8,3%). Je bouwt een goed pensioen op bij het ABP. En daarnaast bieden we nog veel meer tegemoetkomingen en regelingen.

Loopbaanontwikkeling en ruimte voor groei

De UvA stimuleert jou om je blijvend te professionaliseren d.m.v. trainingen en open UvA-colleges.

Flexibiliteit

Je hebt de flexibiliteit om werk en privé te combineren, vaak met de mogelijkheid tot thuiswerken.

What are you going to do?

• Develop a photochemical model for NPAH/PAH formation informed by the literature
• Perform a sensitivity analysis to propose new reactions to be studied experimentally or computationally
• Identify the most abundantly produced NPAHs/PAHs as potential targets for future observations
• Devise a research plan together with your advisor, conduct research, and publish research results in the area of planetary science
• Be a proactive member of the research group and have the opportunity to co-advise research projects of MSc and BSc students
• Contribute to creating an open, safe and inclusive working environment.

Your profile

• A Ph.D. in planetary science, astronomy, atmospheric chemistry, astrobiology, or a related field completed upon your arrival
• A committed researcher, demonstrated by previous research experiences publications and presentations at international conferences
• Experience with photochemical or atmospheric modeling
• Excellent communication skills
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Our offer

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 18 months, to be started in March 2025, and the possibility to be extended for another 12 months upon satisfactory performance.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,345 to € 5,278 (scale 10).This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Onderzoekers is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and stimulating environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch.