Postdoctoral Fellow in Geological Sciences

Stockholm University

Sweden

Reference number: SU FV-4521-25
University: Stockholm University
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department: Department of Geological Sciences
Location: Stockholm, Sweden

About the Department of Geological Sciences

The Department of Geological Sciences is part of the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University and includes approximately 80 staff members, comprising teachers, researchers, doctoral students, and technical/administrative personnel. The department conducts a wide range of fundamental and applied research within:

Marine geology and geophysics
Geochemistry
Classical geology

More information:
https://www.su.se/department-of-geological-sciences

Project Description

This research project addresses fundamental questions regarding the origin of life on Earth, focusing on the transition from prebiotic to biotic systems. The project investigates the role of organic–mineral interactions under abiotic conditions resembling those of the early Archean Earth.

A central aim is to establish clear criteria for organosignatures—organically influenced mineralization without specific cellular signatures—and to distinguish them from biosignatures, which represent unequivocal evidence of life. Through controlled laboratory studies, the project seeks to develop a proof of concept that could reshape current interpretations of Earth’s earliest geological history and inform strategies for the detection of life beyond Earth.

The successful candidate will design and conduct experiments simulating early Earth conditions, with particular focus on the formation and characterization of prebiotic organic matter and its initial interactions with minerals. The work requires expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, advanced analytical techniques, and a strong interest in early Earth geological and geochemical processes.

The postdoctoral researcher will work in close collaboration with the University of Fribourg (UniFR) and the University of Connecticut, under the co-supervision of Dr. Christophe Dupraz (Stockholm University) and Professor Anneleen Foubert (UniFR).

Main Responsibilities

The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to:

Lead experimental design to simulate early Archean environmental conditions, including modeling polymerization and fluid–organic interactions under plausible Archean ocean compositions
Produce and characterize organofilms derived from simple prebiotic organic matter through controlled polymerization experiments
Apply advanced analytical techniques, including Raman spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, to characterize the composition, structure, and functional groups of synthesized organic materials
Design and perform experiments investigating interactions between prebiotic organic matter and minerals under simulated Archean conditions

Qualification Requirements

Applicants must hold:

A Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant doctoral degree from another country

Assessment Criteria

Completion of the doctoral degree within three years prior to the application deadline is considered an advantage. Older degrees may also be considered under special circumstances, including parental leave, sick leave, service in trade unions or national defense, or other relevant professional assignments.

Selection among eligible candidates is based on the applicant’s expected ability to successfully complete the project tasks. The ideal candidate will combine expertise in organic chemistry with a solid foundation in geosciences, enabling research on prebiotic organomineralization.

Assessment criteria include:

Documented knowledge in geochemistry, mineralogy, organic chemistry, prebiotic chemistry, or related laboratory-based disciplines
Strong 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
PhD in Organic Chemistry, Geochemistry, Astrobiology, Earth Sciences, or a closely related field
Expertise in organic synthesis, polymerization chemistry, or advanced organic material characterization
Proven experience in laboratory-based experimental research, particularly in controlled environments
Experience with analytical techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF MS, and HPLC
Willingness to learn new methods (e.g., MicroCT scanning, FIB-SEM)
Strong written and oral proficiency in English
Analytical ability, creativity, initiative, independence, and capacity for collaboration

Evaluation is based on academic background, research experience, quality of previous publications, motivation letter, proposed project direction, and interviews where applicable.

About the Employment

Employment type: Temporary postdoctoral position
Duration: Two years
Extent: 100% (full-time)
Start date: According to agreement

What We Offer

Stockholm University provides a dynamic research environment characterized by close interaction between education and research. The successful candidate will work in an international and interdisciplinary setting, benefiting from favorable employment conditions.

The university campus is located in the National City Park, offering a unique natural setting with excellent transport links to central Stockholm.

Stockholm University is committed to equal opportunities and strives to provide a workplace free from discrimination.

Contact Information

For further information about the position, please contact:

Associate Professor Christophe Dupraz
Email: christophe.dupraz@geo.su.se

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted via Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Applicants must ensure that their application is complete and submitted before the deadline.

Applications should include: