Within the framework of the second NWO Planetary and Exoplanetary Science Network (PEPSci-2), the Department of Earth Sciences of Utrecht University and the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute of Groningen University are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate for a project combining geochemical experimental research on leaching and dissolution of meteorites with numerical simulations of meteorite delivery on young water-bearing planets
The surface of young planets in our Solar System was a dynamic environment that was regularly impacted by material leftover after planet formation, referred to as a late veneer. This material included icy bodies (comets), rocky bodies (asteroid- and meteorite-type bodies), and dust, and is composed of a wide range of ices, minerals, and organic compounds, containing all the necessary elements for life (C, H, N, O, P, S). Observations of debris disks in young, evolving exoplanetary systems suggest similar veneering processes in exosystems. The role of a veneer in an origin of life will become significant when the flux of CHNOPS from the veneer exceeds the in situ production on a planet's surface. The idea for this project is to constrain this role through a three-step approach. First, the student will numerically model the influx of different types of icy, rocky and dusty bodies (based on dynamics-codes available within the team). The next step is to model the contribution of this influx to a planetary atmosphere. From this second step the student may derive observables for the James Webb Space Telescope that may help to validate the models. The third step is to experimentally determine the contribution of this meteorite delivered material to a young, rocky planet's essential element and organics budget, by long-term exposure of meteorite material to early ocean analogues. This combined numerical and experimental approach will allow the student to estimate the contribution of late veneer to potential for an origin of life on young rocky exoplanets.

PEPSci-2 is an initiative of the Netherlands Organisation of Scientific Research (NWO) to establish a coherent and integrated network on the interface of Astronomy and Earth Sciences. The programme focuses on the characterisation of planetary processes both within our own solar system and on exoplanets. The network is centered on eight interrelated PhD projects across the Netherlands, of which this is one. The addressed science topics span the full range from observations and modelling of planetary formation, planetary structures, geology, and atmospheres to the investigation of chemical and biological processes that are linked to organic matter and life.

In this project, the Utrecht Department of Earth Sciences and the Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON) lab at the University of Groningen will join forces.

We are seeking a PhD candidate with an MSc degree in Earth/ Planetary Sciences or Astronomy. Experience in (organic) (geo-)chemistry and quantitative modeling is helpful but not a requirement. As this is a dual experimental and numerical project, affinity with both is an asset. Candidates should be interested in performing fundamental, interdisciplinary research. 
We are looking for an excellent team player as this project requires close collaboration with members of the astrobiology and petrology groups in the Utrecht Department of Earth Sciences, the star formation and astrochemistry group in Groningen, and the other PEPSci-2 projects across the Netherlands. The candidate should be able to occasionally travel (nationally and internationally) to team/network meetings and to science conferences (sufficient travel funding is foreseen at Utrecht University). In particular, regular visits to Groningen are foreseen, especially for the numerical part of the project. In addition, excellent written and spoken English skills are essential.

You will be offered a fulltime PhD position (1.0 FTE), initially for one year with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period. The gross salary ranges between €2,325 in the first year and €2,972 in the fourth year (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information about working at Utrecht University can be found here.

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