In our solar system, many extraterrestrial oceans are located beneath thick ice layers on moons orbiting Jupiter and Saturn. These subsurface oceans, heated by tidal forces and shielded from sunlight, are prime candidates for hosting life. Saturn’s moon Enceladus, for instance, has geysers that release ocean water into space, revealing key ingredients for life. Studying these plumes and the moon's surface can provide insights into its habitability and ocean depth. This project aims to replicate Enceladus’s environment in the lab using the PISCES facility, the first of its kind to simulate these plumes. We will also investigate other icy moons like Ganymede and Europa under conditions similar to their environments.

The Role

You will conduct laboratory experiments to determine the properties of icy moon analog surfaces, simulating conditions such as gravity, temperature fluctuations, and radiation. Icy grains will be created and deposited under controlled conditions, allowing us to study how these factors affect ice compaction.

Responsibilities

• Produce representative icy surfaces and measure their mechanical properties.
• Collaborate with ESTEC to analyze characteristics like porosity and grain sizes.
• Conduct tests across various temperatures and particle sizes to understand their impact on surface mechanics.
• Use findings to inform the design of future landers and interpret mission data.

Requirements

• A university degree (MSc) in physics, astronomy, Earth and/or planetary sciences, or a related field.
• Strong background in experimental techniques, such as UHV technology, mass spectrometry, flow dynamics, or IR spectroscopy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

The successful candidate will receive a temporary employment contract with the university for 4 years, subject to evaluation after the first year. During this time, you are expected to produce a dissertation of sufficient quality to obtain a PhD.

About the Company

TU Delft is a leading university contributing to impactful solutions for global challenges. For over 180 years, we have trained engineers who drive change in various sectors. Our education and research focus on pressing themes like energy, climate, and digitalization, aligning with societal needs.

What We Offer

• A collaborative and innovative working environment.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion, with support for family responsibilities and cultural integration.
• Competitive salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, starting from €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month, plus benefits.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply by 9 September 2026 via the application button, including a CV and motivational letter addressed to Dr. Stéphanie Cazaux. Please ensure your application meets the English proficiency requirements for the PhD program. Note that applications sent via email or post will not be processed.