Post Doctoral Research Associate in Laboratory Astrochemistry

Post Doctoral Research Associate in Laboratory Astrochemistry

Advert Reference Number: 1508

Job Location:

Milton Keynes

Department:
School of Physical Sciences

Closing Date: 31 May 2026

Weekly

Working Hours:

37

Contract Type:
Fixed Term Contract

Fixed Term

Contract:

End Date: 30 September 2029

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Applications are invited for a three-year Research and Innovation Associate (RIA) position in the School of Physical Sciences at The Open University. This postdoctoral role forms a central part of an STFC-funded project that integrates advanced laboratory techniques with JWST observations to investigate the chemical and physical properties of interstellar ices. JWST has revealed unprecedented detail in mid‑infrared ice absorption features, but the major bands – particularly the 3 µm OH‑stretch and 4.27 µm CO₂ stretch – remain challenging to interpret due to intertwined effects of ice composition, thermal evolution, and scattering from grain growth.

This project aims to address these challenges by generating the systematic laboratory datasets and optical constants needed to disentangle these influences and support robust interpretation of JWST ice spectra.

The postholder will lead a coordinated programme of experiments across three work packages. Using ultra-high vacuum ice film deposition techniques, they will systematically investigate how ice composition and thermal history shape mid-infrared band profiles, producing a comprehensive spectral library and deriving accurate optical constants. They will also develop and apply a novel acoustic-levitation system to study microscopic ice aggregates, enabling controlled laboratory measurements of scattering effects relevant to grain growth in dense molecular clouds.

Across all work packages the postholder will acquire and analyse high‑resolution mid‑infrared spectra and work closely with members of the OU astrochemistry team to incorporate the new laboratory data into the interpretation of (pre-)existing JWST ice observations, as well as to respond to observationally driven laboratory data needs.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute foundational laboratory data that will inform radiative‑transfer models, constrain ice mantle composition and physical properties in star‑forming regions, and shape the interpretation of JWST ice observations. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high‑impact publications, developing experimental methods, and advancing our understanding of the origins of molecular complexity in space.

You will be based in the Open University’s School of Physical Sciences and work in an interdisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and connections to external research facilities. You will work across the Physics and Astronomy Disciplines in a collaborative and supportive environment, benefit ting from internationally recognised expertise in molecular physics, astrochemistry and observational astronomy, including researchers who play leading roles in JWST ice consortia.

The person appointed to the post will undertake duties that include:

• Working with, and in support of, the key objectives and deliverables of the research grant that funds this role, to ensure the project is successfully delivered.
• Leading laboratory-based experimental work on interstellar ice analogues, including preparation, characterisation and analysis of samples.
• Developing, refining and optimising experimental apparatus, techniques, and laboratory methods to advance the project’s research objectives.
• Carrying out advanced analysis of laboratory data and contributing to the interpretation of JWST ice observations.
• Preparing and publishing high-quality research outputs in leading international…