PhD position in planetary science

Prof. Dr. Raphael Marschall, raphael.marschall

PhD position (100% fixed‑term) at the University of Bern – Space Research and Planetary Sciences – Bern, Switzerland.

Start Date:

01.01.2027 or by arrangement.

The University of Bern invites applications for a fully funded PhD position to investigate how impacts and sublimation shape the surfaces of comets and other icy bodies using laboratory experiments and numerical modelling. The successful candidate will contribute to the interpretation of data returned by interplanetary missions to asteroids and comets, including Deep Impact/EPOXI, Rosetta, New Horizons, Lucy, and the upcoming Comet Interceptor mission.

• Investigate the combined effects of impacts and sublimation on the surface morphology of icy bodies.
• Conduct laboratory experiments on crater sublimation and analyze results.
• Develop and run numerical models of landscape evolution over billions of years.
• Interpret mission data from missions such as Rosetta, Lucy, and Comet Interceptor.
• Collaborate with the Division of Space Research and Planetary Sciences and interdisciplinary research team.

• Master's degree in (astro‑)physics, astronomy, planetary science, or a related field.
• Strong background in numerical modelling and computational methods or laboratory experimentation.
• Programming skills (e.g., Python, Julia, C/C++, or similar).
• Interest in planetary science, astronomy and small‑body research.
• Ability to work collaboratively in an international team.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

• A fully funded PhD position at the University of Bern, salary following the university guidelines.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art computational and laboratory resources.
• A collaborative and international research environment.
• Opportunities for conference participation and scientific networking.

Complete application received by 30 September 2026 will receive full consideration; after this date applications will be considered depending on availability.

• A letter of motivation (max 2 pages), including skills, research interests and past research activities.
• A detailed CV, including a list of past research projects and, if applicable, a list of publications.
• Details of the BSc and MSc degrees, including diplomas and transcripts of records showing course grades.
• The names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

The application shall be sent as one combined PDF to Prof. Dr. Raphael Marschall (raphael.marschall).

The University of Bern is an equal‑opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and under‑represented groups.