Postdoctoral Research Associate in Laboratory Astrochemistry: The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK (DEADLINE: 31/05/2026)
We are pleased to announce a new Postdoctoral Research Associate position in Laboratory Astrochemistry in the School of Physical Sciences at The Open University, funded by STFC. The post is for three years, based in Milton Keynes, and focuses on laboratory studies of interstellar ices to support the interpretation of JWST mid‑infrared observations.
The successful candidate will lead a coordinated programme of experiments investigating how ice composition, thermal evolution, and grain‑growth related scattering shape mid‑IR ice band profiles. The role involves ultra‑high vacuum ice film deposition, cryogenic methods, infrared spectroscopy, and the development of a novel acoustic‑levitation system for studying microscopic ice aggregates.
Key details:
– Duration: 3 years
– Location: Milton Keynes, UK (laboratory‑based role)
– Closing date: 31 May 2026
– Interviews: 17–18 June 2026 (in person where possible)
– Earliest start date: 1 October 2026
– Minimum education requirement: PhD in experimental physics/physical chemistry, laboratory astrochemistry or a closely related field.
Full job description and application link:
For informal scientific enquiries about the role, please contact anita.dawes@open.ac.uk
