Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Experimental Planetary Materials Science

Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Experimental Planetary Materials Science

Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Experimental Planetary Materials Science

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

University of Copenhagen

Globe Institute

The University of Copenhagen seeks to appoint a tenure track assistant professor in experimental planetary materials science to commence July 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position will be based at the Centre for Star and Planet Formation, StarPlan, at the Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

The Globe Institute invites applications for a tenure track assistant professorship in experimental planetary materials science, with a focus on high-pressure and high-temperature processes during planet formation. The position is centred on understanding how planetary interiors, magma oceans and early atmospheres interact, and how these processes control volatile storage, water formation and the physical and chemical evolution of young planets and exoplanets.

We are particularly interested in candidates whose research combines high-pressure experimentation with analytical, synchrotron-based or computational approaches to planetary materials. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to, diamond anvil cell experiments, laser heating, synchrotron X-ray diffraction, volatile-bearing silicate systems, hydrogen–magma-ocean interaction, water formation and storage, crystallisation of magma oceans, phase relations at planetary interior conditions, and the interpretation of exoplanet interiors.

The successful candidate is expected to establish an independent research programme at StarPlan and contribute to the development of a new high-pressure experimental preparation laboratory at the Globe Institute. The position will strengthen StarPlan’s existing research in planet formation, cosmochemistry, volatile evolution and the emergence of habitable worlds by adding a new experimental high-pressure dimension.

The tenure track assistant professor’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• Independent research, including publication and academic dissemination
• Development of a high-pressure experimental research programme
• Establishment and operation of a high-pressure preparation laboratory
• Research-based teaching and supervision at BSc, MSc and PhD level
• Attraction of external research funding
• Collaboration across StarPlan, Globe Institute and international high-pressure and synchrotron facilities
• Sharing knowledge with society
• Participation in formal pedagogical training for assistant professors

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute actively to the research environment at StarPlan and to build collaborations across planetary science, geology, geochemistry, high-pressure physics, astronomy and exoplanet science.

The tenure track assistant professor’s performance will be evaluated through annual evaluations. Furthermore, the tenure track assistant professor will be evaluated in a mid-track appraisal.

To be qualified for an assistant professor position, you will be assessed according to these five overall criteria for recognising merit at the University of Copenhagen: Research, teaching, innovation & societal impact, organisational contribution and leadership. Find information about each criterion.

Furthermore, applicants must be able to document:

• A PhD degree or equivalent qualifications within Earth and planetary sciences, mineral physics, geochemistry, physics, materials science, astronomy, exoplanet science or a related field
• Research experience within high-pressure and high-temperature experimental science relevant to planetary materials or planetary interiors
• A strong international publication record appropriate to career stage
• Experience with one or more of the following: diamond anvil cell experiments, laser heating, synchrotron X-ray diffraction, recovered-sample analysis, volatile-bearing materials, silicate melts, phase relations, or atomistic modelling
• Ability to conduct independent and original research
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Good interpersonal and communicative skills as well as ability to work in an interdisciplinary research environment

The tenure track assistant professor must have an academic standing showing internationally competitive research, and/or have internationally recognized high potential to make a future impact.

It will be considered an advantage if applicants can document:

• Experience with hydrogen-bearing or volatile-bearing systems at high pressure and temperature
• Experience in preparing and recovering laser-heated diamond anvil cell samples
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