13 Jan 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company
Stockholm University- Department
Department of geological sciences- Research Field
Geosciences » Geology
Chemistry » Biochemistry
Biological sciences » Other- Researcher Profile
Recognised Researcher (R2)
Established Researcher (R3)- Positions
Postdoc Positions- Application Deadline
31 Jan 2026 - 17:00 (Europe/Zurich)- Country
Sweden- Type of Contract
Temporary- Job Status
Full-time- Hours Per Week
40- Offer Starting Date
31 Mar 2026- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Not funded by a EU programme- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No
Offer Description
The research project addresses the question of the origin of life on Earth by exploring the transition from prebiotic to biotic worlds. The project focuses on the critical role of organic-mineral interactions in abiotic conditions resembling early Archean Earth. A central aim is to define distinct criteria for organosignatures – organically influenced mineralization without a specific cell signature – and to differentiate them from biosignatures, which are unequivocal evidence of life. Through laboratory studies, this research aims to produce a 'proof of concept' that could change our view of Earth's early history before the emergence of life and also be relevant for the search for extraterrestrial life.
The successful candidate will design and perform experiments that mimic early Earth conditions, focusing on the formation and characterization of prebiotic organic matter and its initial interactions with minerals. This role requires knowledge on synthetic organic chemistry advanced analytical skills, and a profound interest in the understanding of early Earth geological and geochemical processes.
The successful candidate will carry out the research in close partnership with the University of Fribourg (UniFR) and the University of Connecticut, under the co-supervision of Dr. Dupraz (Stockholm University) and Prof. Anneleen Foubert (UniFR).
Research Responsibilities
- Lead the experimental design to simulate early Archean conditions. This includes modeling polymerization and fluid-organic interactions, considering 'Possible Archean' Ocean Composition scenarios.
- Be responsible for the production and characterization of 'organofilms' from simple prebiotic organic matter. This involves conducting polymerization experiments.
- Utilize advanced analytical techniques, including RAMAN spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF MS, to characterize the composition, structure, and functional groups of synthesized organic materials and organofilms
- Design and perform experiments to investigate how these prebiotic organic materials interact with minerals under simulated Archean conditions.
Where to apply
christophe.dupraz@geo.su.se
Requirements
- Research Field
- Geosciences » Geology
- Education Level
- PhD or equivalent
- Research Field
- Chemistry » Biochemistry
- Education Level
- PhD or equivalent
- Research Field
- Biological sciences » Other
- Education Level
- PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- A PhD in Organic Chemistry, Geochemistry, Astrobiology, Earth Sciences, or a closely related field.
- Expertise in organic synthesis, polymerization chemistry, or advanced organic material characterization.
- Keen interest in geological processes, early Earth environments, and mineral-organic interactions.
- Proven experience in laboratory experimental work, especially in controlled environmental settings.
- Experience in analytical techniques such as Raman, MALDI-TOF-MS, HPLC is welcomed
- Willingness to learn new techniques (e.g., MicroCT Scan, FIB-SEM).
Specific Requirements
The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.
The selection among the eligible candidates is based on their expected capacity to complete the project tasks. The following criteria are used to assess this capacity: :
- documented knowledge in geochemistry, mineralogy, organic chemistry, prebiotic chemistry, or related laboratory work
- Keen interest in geological processes, early Earth environments, and mineral-organic interactions.
- experience with experimental systems simulating environmental conditions, and/or analytical techniques such as spectroscopy, microscopy, or isotope geochemistry
- written and oral proficiency in English
- analytical skills, ability to collaborate
- creativity, initiative, and independence
The evaluation is based on previous education and experience, quality of previous published research, ambition expressed in the motivation letter, description of the proposed project direction and potentially interviews.
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Level
- Good
Additional Information
Selection process
Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. We recommend that you submit your application, including the necessary documents, in English.
The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position .
- Website for additional job details
https://su.varbi.com/what:job/jobID:885096/where:4/
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- Stockholm University
- Country
- Sweden
- City
- Stockholm
- Postal Code
- 106 91
- Street
- Svante Arrhenius väg 8
Contact
- City
Stockholm- Website
https://www.su.se/geo/english/
https://su.varbi.com/what:job/jobID:885096/where:4/- Street
Svante Arrhenius väg 8
christophe.dupraz@geo.su.se
STATUS: EXPIRED
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