Postdoc Experimental Investigations of Atmosphere-Surface Interactions on Venus

In the group of Dr. Edgar Steenstra, a laboratory-based Postdoc position is available that is focused on the experimental and numerical investigation of surface weathering processes on Venus and the applicability of the latter to understand Venus' enigmatic evolution.

The Postdoc position is part of the ERC Starting Grant VenusVolAtmos. In this project, we aim to constrain the chemical links and feedback mechanisms between the interior, surface and atmosphere of Venus, using both experiments and thermochemical numerical models. These experiments will be conducted in the new high-pressure, high-temperature lab that is currently being built as part of the Delft Planetary Labs (DPL) at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, TU Delft. The successful applicant will conduct weathering experiments on Venus surface rocks under a controlled high-pressure, high-temperature atmosphere and develop thermodynamic models to quantitatively describe these processes. The thermodynamic models will provide the basis for novel numerical 2D models of Venus that describe elemental fluxes between interior, crust and atmosphere. The results of this project will significantly aid in interpreting past and future observations of the Venusian atmosphere and surface, and will therefore provide a valuable geochemical framework for upcoming missions to Venus (EnVision, DaVINCI, Veritas).

We are looking for a candidate with a succesfully completed PhD-project in planetary science/astronomy, geochemistry, petrology, material science and/or a combination of the latter. Expertise in conducting experiments, performing chemical sample analyses and using thermodynamic models is necessary. Expertise in 2D numerical modeling is highly welcomed.  

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.