2-year Postdoctoral Fellow in Prebiotic Organo-Carbonate Formation Stockholm University in Sweden

This 2-year postdoctoral fellowship at Stockholm University offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the origin of life on Earth by exploring the transition from prebiotic to biotic worlds. The research project is based in the Department of Geological Sciences and focuses on the critical role of organic-mineral interactions under abiotic conditions that resemble those of the early Archean Earth. A central aim is to define criteria for organosignatures—organically influenced mineralization without a specific cell signature—and to distinguish these from biosignatures, which are unequivocal evidence of life. The project’s laboratory studies seek to produce a 'proof of concept' that could reshape our understanding of Earth's early history and inform the search for extraterrestrial life.

The successful candidate will design and conduct experiments simulating early Earth conditions, emphasizing the formation and characterization of prebiotic organic matter and its initial interactions with minerals. Responsibilities include modeling polymerization and fluid-organic interactions, considering 'Possible Archean' Ocean Composition scenarios, and producing and characterizing 'organofilms' from simple prebiotic organic matter. Advanced analytical techniques such as RAMAN spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF MS will be used to analyze the composition, structure, and functional groups of synthesized organic materials and organofilms. The candidate will also investigate how these prebiotic organic materials interact with minerals under simulated Archean conditions.

This position is co-supervised by Dr. Christophe Dupraz (Stockholm University) and Professor Anneleen Foubert (University of Fribourg), with collaborative ties to the University of Connecticut. The research environment is highly interdisciplinary, integrating geochemistry, organic chemistry, mineralogy, and astrobiology. The postdoctoral fellow will work closely with international partners and benefit from access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.

Applicants must hold a PhD in Organic Chemistry, Geochemistry, Astrobiology, Earth Sciences, or a closely related field, completed no more than three years before the closing date unless special circumstances apply. Required skills include expertise in organic synthesis, polymerization chemistry, or advanced organic material characterization, and a keen interest in geological processes, early Earth environments, and mineral-organic interactions. Proven laboratory experience, especially in controlled environmental settings, and familiarity with analytical techniques such as Raman, MALDI-TOF-MS, and HPLC are desirable. Willingness to learn new techniques (e.g., MicroCT Scan, FIB-SEM) is expected. Candidates must demonstrate written and oral proficiency in English, analytical skills, ability to collaborate, creativity, initiative, and independence. Selection is based on education, experience, research quality, motivation letter, proposed project direction, and potentially interviews.

To apply, candidates should submit their application via Stockholm University's recruitment system, including a personal letter, CV, and all required attachments as specified in the job advertisement. All documents should be in English, and applications must be complete and submitted before the deadline of January 31, 2026. For further details and instructions, refer to the official application page. The position is based at Stockholm University, Sweden, and offers a stimulating environment for research at the intersection of geology, chemistry, and the origins of life.