Université Grenoble Alpes invites applications for two Junior Research Chairs in astrobiology: one in astrophysics or planetary science, and one in prebiotic chemistry, biology or paleontology. The objective is to recruit outstanding candidates to develop research topics as part of the Université Grenoble Alpes’ Origin of Life project; a cross-disciplinary project that brings together the expertise of astrophysicists, astrochemists, planetary scientists, prebiotic chemists, biologists, geologists and paleontologists to investigate habitability and the origins of life.
The first Junior Research Chair is on Astrophysics and Planetology and is concerned with:
– Initial conditions on Earth favourable to the emergence of life.
– Astrochemistry and possible Earth insemination from cometary molecules.
– Formation and evolution of habitable planets.
– Habitability studies of Solar System objects and/or exoplanets.
– Search for exoplanets in the habitable zone.
– Exoplanetary atmosphere characterization; search for biomarkers.
The second Junior Research Chair is in prebiotic chemistry, biology and palaeontology and is concerned with:
– Prebiotic chemistry on Earth and/or the role of inorganic cofactors in the development of primordial metabolisms.
– Photosynthesis adaptability to other environments and/or definition of biomarkers.
– Life beyond extreme conditions.
– Analysis of primordial traces of life on Earth.
For further details see:
Junior Research Chair is on Astrophysics and Planetology
Junior Research Chair is in prebiotic chemistry, biology and palaeontology
The application deadline is July 1st 2018.
