PhD Student - The Role of Silica in Prebiotic Chemistry and the Origin of Life (Open)

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join an international and interdisciplinary research team investigating the role of silica in prebiotic chemistry and its contribution to the emergence of molecular complexity on early Earth.

The selected candidate will study how silica interacts with simple organic molecules and may promote their concentration, stabilization, transformation, and assembly into chemical systems of increasing complex. By combining experimental prebiotic chemistry with advanced molecular characterization techniques, the project aims to uncover the physicochemical mechanisms through which silica may have facilitated key steps toward the origin of life.

The research will be conducted within the framework of the ERC Synergy Grant PROTOS (https://protos-erc.eu/), a European collaborative project that brings together experts in geology, chemistry, and materials science to experimentally investigate the emergence of life on our planet. The candidate will reproduce plausible early Earth environments using Miller–Urey-type experimental setups and study interactions between minerals, prebiotic organic compounds, and relevant reaction pathways, including Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, formamide condensation, and HCN polymerization.

A major component of the project will involve the analysis and identification of molecular products generated under geochemically relevant conditions. The candidate will also undertake research stays at partner laboratories in Italy and Germany that specialize in advanced mass spectrometric techniques for the characterization of organic molecules and reaction products.

position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an ambitious scientific endeavor addressing one of the most fundamental questions in science: how interactions between inorganic minerals and simple organic compounds may have led to the formation of the first complex biological precursors. The selected candidate will join a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary research network, collaborate closely with partner institutions across Europe, and gain expertise in experimental prebiotic chemistry, mineral–organic interactions, and advanced molecular analysis.

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in (Organic) Chemistry, Biochemistry, Geochemistry, Materials Science or related disciplines.
• Strong interest in prebiotic chemistry, geochemistry, origin-of-life research and mineral–organic interactions.
• Experience with laboratory techniques in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry or molecular characterization (e.g., chromatography, mass spectrometry, NMR or spectroscopy) is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with experimental design, data analysis and interpretation; basic knowledge of scientific programming languages would be advantageous, but is not mandatory.
• Excellent written and spoken English; strong communication skills.
• Ability and motivation to work independently and collaboratively in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
• High curiosity and enthusiasm for addressing fundamental questions concerning the chemical pathways that may have led to the emergence of life on Earth.
• MSc students finishing their master are also invited to apply

• Contract duration: The position is expected to last up to 4 years, with contracts renewed on an annual basis
• 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. Applicants with disabilities will be given priority where professional qualifications are equivalent.

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and a brief statement of interest to the following application email below. 

Reference letters are welcome but not indispensable.

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

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: 2026/33
• 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 (60%)
• Adequacy of the candidate’s scientific background to the project (20%)
• 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