PhD position in the Laboratory for Astrophysics

Leiden University was founded in 1575 and is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.

Applications are invited for a four-year PhD position at the Laboratory for Astrophysics https://labastro.strw.leidenuniv.nl of Leiden Observatory, within the framework of the INTERCAT Phase 2 project “Radical-driven surface reactions on interstellar dust grains.” The PhD project will experimentally investigate how radicals adsorb, diffuse, and react on interstellar dust surfaces, leading to the extraterrestrial formation of precursors relevant to molecular building blocks of life (MBBLs).

The central aim of the project is to unravel surface radical–driven chemical processes that occur in the absence of external energetic inputs under conditions representative of interstellar molecular clouds. These surface reactions have been extensively explored in theoretical and laboratory studies for simple ice constituents and selected complex organic molecules detected in interstellar environments, including methanol, glyceraldehyde, and glycine. Building on this foundation, the proposed PhD research will employ custom‑built, state‑of‑the‑art laboratory setups to investigate interstellar formation pathways of MBBLs, such as amino acids, sugars, and nucleobases, under astronomically relevant conditions.

The scientific objectives are to identify and characterize solid‑state reaction networks in interstellar ice mantles, quantify key reaction parameters, and assess the level of chemical complexity that can develop prior to star formation under well‑controlled laboratory conditions. The results will be published in leading peer‑reviewed journals and will directly contribute to other INTERCAT Phase 2 activities, including astronomical observations and computational and machine‑learning–based modeling efforts.

Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Upgrading and further developing the existing SURFRESIDE experimental setup.
• Designing and conducting laboratory measurements and analyzing experimental data in close collaboration with the supervisory team to achieve the project’s scientific objectives.
• Actively collaborating with national and international partners within the INTERCAT consortium and contributing to INTERCAT‑related activities.
• Enrolling in the Institute’s training program and complying with the requirements of the Leiden University PhD program.

You will work closely with the project leader and the LfA team in an international, collaborative research environment.

The Faculty of Science at Leiden University offers an inspiring and international environment where scientists and students collaborate across disciplines to push the frontiers of knowledge. Our research spans astronomy, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, artificial intelligence, life sciences, and environmental sciences. With over 1,300 staff members and nearly 4,000 students, we are located in the heart of the Leiden Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s largest science hubs.

Leiden Observatory is the astronomical institute of the Faculty of Science at Leiden University. With a rich history and a leading role in international astronomy, we offer a dynamic work environment where cutting‑edge research and top‑level education come together. Our academic programs include a Bachelor and Master degree, complemented by a renowned PhD program. Together with over 180 dedicated staff members we are committed to academic innovation and fostering a close‑knit, inclusive community where everyone feels welcome and valued. For more information about Leiden Observatory, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/astronomy.

The position will be based at the Laboratory for Astrophysics within Leiden Observatory and will be supervised by Dr. Ko‑Ju Chuang. A successful candidate may be asked to present at INTERCAT‑related meetings.

We are seeking an enthusiastic candidate who meets the following requirements:

• Education: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in experimental physics, astrochemistry, or a related field.
• Technical skills: Experience with ultra‑high vacuum (UHV) systems and cryogenic techniques.
• Soft skills: Strong scientific communication skills in English.
• Additional assets: Prior experience in laboratory instrumentation or spectroscopy in related fields will be an advantage.

Our goal is to work together to create a transparent and inclusive work environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated. Our organisation is always evolving and we need your ideas for improvement and innovation to take us further. We want to devote attention to your personal development.

You can count on an enjoyable job within the socially relevant world of education and research. We also want to work with you to devote attention to your health and vitality, for example with the fun activities we organise through Healthy University.

We also offer:

• A full‑time appointment of initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research, teaching evaluations, personal capabilities, and compatibility, the appointment will be extended for another three years. This contract falls under the CLA of Dutch Universities.
• The gross salary ranges from €3.059‑€3.881 per month, depending on the year of the PhD, based on a full‑time position (pay scale P).
• A holiday allowance (8%), an end‑of‑year bonus (8.3%), and an attractive pension scheme at ABP.
• Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs for home‑to‑work travel.
• Flexible working hours: as a standard, you are entitled to a minimum of 29 leave days on the basis of a full‑time working week of 38 hours; you can also save for extra leave, for example by working 40 hours a week, and in this way accrue an extra 96 leave hours, or exchange 96 leave hours for a 36‑hour week.
• Lots of options when it comes to secondary employment conditions; we can, for example, discuss options for a sabbatical or paid parental leave. Within our terms of employment individual choices model, you can exchange leave days and/or salary for benefits such as an advantageous sports subscription and bicycle scheme.
• If your work allows it, hybrid working is possible within the Netherlands.
• A home‑working allowance (day and internet allowance) and attention for good workplaces.

For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions.

Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We strive to be an open community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to fully develop themselves. We consider an inclusive academic environment, where students and staff can share their experiences and viewpoints, to be essential for the development of talent.

If you want to apply straight away, click the application button. Together with your application, please submit the following documents:

• A curriculum vitae, including the names and contact details of two referees.
• A letter of motivation outlining your interest in the position and relevant qualifications.
• A one‑page summary of your Master’s research project(s).

If you would like more information about what the job entails, please contact Dr. Ko‑Ju Chuang at chuang@strw.leidenuniv.nl. You can apply until May 28th, 2026; you will receive a response to your application no later than two weeks after the vacancy closing date.

A pre‑employment screening (references, diplomas, certificate of good conduct (VOG)) may be part of the selection procedure.