The role:

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join an international and interdisciplinary research team investigating the role of silica in prebiotic chemistry and its contribution to the emergence of molecular complexity on early Earth.

The selected candidate will study how silica interacts with simple organic molecules and may promote their concentration, stabilization, transformation, and assembly into chemical systems of increasing complex. By combining experimental prebiotic chemistry with advanced molecular characterization techniques, the project aims to uncover the physicochemical mechanisms through which silica may have facilitated key steps toward the origin of life.

The research will be conducted within the framework of the ERC Synergy Grant PROTOS (https://protos-erc.eu/), a European collaborative project that brings together experts in geology, chemistry, and materials science to experimentally investigate the emergence of life on our planet. The candidate will reproduce plausible early Earth environments using Miller–Urey-type experimental setups and study interactions between minerals, prebiotic organic compounds, and relevant reaction pathways, including Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, formamide condensation, and HCN polymerization.

A major component of the project will involve the analysis and identification of molecular products generated under geochemically relevant conditions. The candidate will also undertake research stays at partner laboratories in Italy and Germany that specialize in advanced mass spectrometric techniques for the characterization of organic molecules and reaction products.

position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an ambitious scientific endeavor addressing one of the most fundamental questions in science: how interactions between inorganic minerals and simple organic compounds may have led to the formation of the first complex biological precursors. The selected candidate will join a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary research network, collaborate closely with partner institutions across Europe, and gain expertise in experimental prebiotic chemistry, mineral–organic interactions, and advanced molecular analysis.

Desired background & competences

- Master's degree (or equivalent) in (Organic) Chemistry, Biochemistry, Geochemistry, Materials Science or related disciplines.
- Strong interest in prebiotic chemistry, geochemistry, origin-of-life research and mineral–organic interactions.
- Experience with laboratory techniques in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry or molecular characterization (e.g., chromatography, mass spectrometry, NMR or spectroscopy) is considered an asset.
- Familiarity with experimental design, data analysis and interpretation; basic knowledge of scientific programming languages would be advantageous, but is not mandatory.
- Excellent written and spoken English; strong communication skills.
- Ability and motivation to work independently and collaboratively in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
- High curiosity and enthusiasm for addressing fundamental questions concerning the chemical pathways that may have led to the emergence of life on Earth.
- MSc students finishing their master are also invited to apply