General information
Offer title : Postdoctoral researcher in laboratory astrophysics: experimental study of the role of iron in the formation of stardust analogues M/F (H/F)
Reference : UMR5277-SANCHU-080
Number of position : 1
Workplace : TOULOUSE
Date of publication : 18 November 2025
Type of Contract : Researcher in FTC
Contract Period : 12 months
Expected date of employment : 1 February 2026
Proportion of work : Full Time
Remuneration : Between 3041 € et 4395 € gross depending on experience
Desired level of education : Doctorate
Experience required : Indifferent
Section(s) CN : 17 - Solar system and distant universe
Missions
The candidate will conduct laboratory astrophysics activities as part of the ANR GROWNANO project, which involves three laboratories in Toulouse: LCPQ, IRAP and LAPLACE. He/she will contribute to the experimental part of the project under the supervision of Christine Joblin at IRAP (University of Toulouse/CNRS) and Kremena Makasheva at LAPLACE (University of Toulouse/CNRS). The aim is to study the impact of iron on the formation of stardust analogues and to better understand the origin of large cosmic carbon molecules.
Activities
The aim will be to produce analogues of stardust in cold plasmas containing the elements abundant in stars (C, O, H, Si and Fe) in order to assess the impact of the C/O ratio on the products formed. A detailed inventory of the content of large carbon molecules such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons will be carried out using the AROMA molecular analyser. In addition, the different steps of dust formation in plasma will be studied using in situ and ex situ techniques. The molecular processes of chemical reactivity will be investigated in the gas phase using the PIRENEA and PIRENEA2 cryogenic astrophysics laboratory setups.
Skills
We are seeking a candidate with a PhD and training in experimental physics and physical chemistry. Experience in mass spectrometry, ion optics, and atomic and molecular spectroscopy is expected. Scientific programming skills are also required. The candidate must demonstrate an interest in working in a multidisciplinary research environment at the interface between molecular physics, plasma physics and laboratory astrophysics. The candidate must be independent, dynamic and rigorous. The candidate is also required to have good communication skills in English and French and to be able to report on the performed work through presentations, reports and scientific publications.
Work Context
The experimental work will be carried out at various sites in Toulouse: LAPLACE (UMR 5213) for plasma experiments and nanoparticle analysis, IRAP (UMR 5277) for molecular analysis and laboratory astrophysics activities.
The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.
Constraints and risks
PIRENEA and PIRENEA 2 are experimental physics setups that operate in the presence of electro-magnetic radiation and lasers.
Additional Information
To apply, please provide a CV, a motivation letter as well as the contact details of three referents.