PostDoc - Prebiotic Chemistry and Origin of Life Postdoctoral Position (Open)

We seek a highly motivated and dynamic postdoctoral researcher with a background in Organic Geo-/chemistry, Environmental Chemistry or related disciplines, with demonstrated expertise in the molecular characterization of organic compounds and its interactions with minerals in natural and experimental systems.

The selected candidate will join the Laboratory of Mineral Self-organization and Origin of Life at the Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC) led by Prof. Juan Manuel García-Ruiz (https://garciaruizdipc.org/). The position is funded by the European Research Council (ERC) Synergy Grant PROTOS (101118811) – "The role of silica in the dawn of life on our planet" (https://protos-erc.eu/).

The project is strongly interdisciplinary and brings together scientists and engineers from the University of Bremen, Naturalis Biodiversity Center (Leiden), University of Konstanz, CNRS-GeoOcean Group (Brest), Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse, Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (Granada) and DIPC. The successful candidate will contribute to experimental studies aimed at understanding the formation, transformation and preservation of organic compounds under plausible early earth conditions, with particular emphasis on organic-mineral interactions, molecular complexity and the geochemical processes that may have contributed to the emergence of life on early Earth.

The position also offers the opportunity to explore how these fundamental processes can inspire novel approaches in materials science and biomimetic systems.

• A strong interest in the early Earth, prebiotic chemistry, organic geochemistry and the origin and early evolution of life.
• Holding a PhD in Organic Chemistry, Chemistry, Geochemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Analytical Chemistry or a closely related discipline is a requirement.
• Demonstrated experience in the molecular characterization of natural or synthetic organic matter using advanced analytical techniques such as Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS, LD-MS, MS/MS, etc…), FT-IR, Raman, NMR or comparable methodologies.
• Experience in the analysis of organic compounds preserved in geological, environmental, experimental or extraterrestrial samples will be highly valued.
• Knowledge of organic-mineral interactions, carbon cycling, sedimentary organic matter or molecular biosignatures is desirable.
• Experience in laboratory experiments involving simulated geochemical or prebiotic environments will be considered an advantage.
• Ability to design, conduct and interpret multidisciplinary experiments, integrating analytical chemistry, geochemistry and mineralogy.
• Experience managing or operating shared analytical instrumentation will be appreciated.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral.
• Willingness to work in an international and highly interdisciplinary research environment and to travel within the framework of the PROTOS consortium.

• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: 2026/10/19

We provide a highly stimulating research environment, and unique professional career development opportunities.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The successful candidate will join Prof. Juan Manuel García-Ruiz's Laboratory of Mineral Self-organization and Origin of Life at DIPC and become part of the ERC Synergy Project PROTOS (GA-101118811). The laboratory investigates the physicochemical processes that may have contributed to the emergence of life, combining mineralogy, geochemistry, chemistry, biology and materials science to understand how increasing molecular and structural complexity emerged on the early Earth.

In addition to PROTOS, the laboratory is involved in the ExoMars mission (https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Exploration/ExoMars) through the ‘Patterns on the Rocks’ project (https://garciaruizdipc.org/our-science/exomars-patterns-on-the-rocks/). Led by the European Space Agency (ESA), the ExoMars mission will send the Rosalind Franklin rover to Mars to search for signs of past or present life on the Red Planet. By investigating the planet's surface and subsurface, the mission aims to uncover evidence that could reveal whether Mars once harbored conditions suitable for life. Applicants with disabilities will be given priority where professional qualifications are equivalent.

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV, a motivation letter (maximum two pages) and contact details of at least two referees willing to provide reccomendation letters.

The reference of the specific opening to which the candidate is applying should be stated in the subject line, and the application must be sent and received before the application deadline to the email address below. 

Although candidates are welcome to contact the project supervisors to know further details about the proposed research activity, please be aware that the application will be evaluated only if it is submitted directly to the email address listed below as application email.

• Reference: 2026/35
• Application deadline: 2026/09/06
• Application email: jobs.research@dipc.org

Applications received by the deadline will be evaluated by a Committee designed by the DIPC board on the basis of the following criteria:

• CV of the candidate (40%)
• Adequacy of the candidate’s scientific background to the project (40%)
• Reference letters (10%)
• Other: Diversity in gender, race, nationality, etc. (10%)

Evaluation results will be communicated to the candidates soon after. Positions will only be filled if qualified candidates are found.

The DIPC may revoke its decision if the candidate fails to join by the appointed time, in which case the position will be awarded to the candidate with the next highest score, provided it is above 50 (out of 100).

However, the selected candidate may keep the position if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, the candidate duly justifies the reasons why he or she cannot join before the specified deadline, and as long as the project allows it.

This project has been supported by ERC-2023-SyG grant PROTOS, under GA-101118811 funded from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme