PhD Postion in Experimental Characterisation of Icy Moons' Surfaces

PhD Postion in Experimental Characterisation of Icy Moons' Surfaces Job description In our solar system, most extraterrestrial oceans lie beneath thick ice layers on moons orbiting Jupiter and Saturn. These subsurface oceans, warmed by tidal forces and isolated from sunlight, are prime candidates for hosting life. On Saturn’s moon Enceladus, ocean water escapes through geysers (plumes) via crevasses in the icy surface, reaching the exosphere. Cassini performed many flybys through the plumes and found that the plumes are salty and contain complex organic molecules (Postberg et al. 2018), suggesting that crucial ingredients for life as we know it are present beneath the moon's icy crust. Studying Enceladus's plumes and surface can provide crucial insights into its habitability, the structure of its crevasses and the depth of its ocean. By observing these plumes, we can infer the composition of subsurface oceans, by recognising and characterising icy grains that are originate directly from the ocean, which is an important step until lander missions, for instance such as ESA's L4 Enceladus mission, can directly explore these environments. Icy moons are top priorities in the search for extraterrestrial life in the solar system, with Enceladus being a prime target for future landing missions. To support such missions, this project aims to replicate Enceladus’s environment in the laboratory to predict and constrain Enceladus’ surface characteristics and plume dynamics by using PISCES (Planetary Ices Simulation Chamber for Enceladus and MoonS), currently the first facility in the world to simulate the plumes of Enceladus. This project will also investigate the structure and morphology of other icy moons in our solar system (Ganymede or Europa) by performing experiments under temperature and pressure close to these moons' environments. This project will benefit ESA missions to icy moons and related technology developments (including payloads) and observations (JWST), and refine our understanding of subsurface ocean composition and icy moons’ habitability. With this project, you will determine the properties of an icy moon analog surface through a series of laboratory experiments accounting for gravity, temperature fluctuations, and radiation effects. Icy grains will be created and deposited under icy moon-like conditions, with the deposition surface oriented at the chamber's floor, ceiling, or an incline to simulate how different gravity directions affect ice compaction. Once representative icy surfaces are produced, their mechanical properties as well as characteristics (porosity, grain sizes, morphology) will be measured (in collaboration with ESTEC, drawing on its expertise in material strength testing). These tests will be repeated across different temperatures and particle sizes to characterise their influence on surface mechanics. The resulting properties will inform (1) the design of landers for future missions, and (2) the scientific interpretation of future mission data, by linking measured surface properties to processes such as resurfacing and temperature-driven deposition. Job requirements Applicants are expected to have a university degree (MSc) in physics, astronomy, Earth and/or planetary sciences, or a related area, with a strong background in and expertise with experimental techniques (e.g., experience with UHV technology, mass spectrometry, flow dynamics or IR spectroscopy). Applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English. The successful candidate will be granted a temporary employment contract with the university for a period of 4 years (48 months), with an evaluation at the end of the first year. Within the contract period, the candidate is expected to produce a dissertation (PhD thesis) of sufficient quality for him/her to be awarded a PhD. TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference. For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future. At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward. Faculty Aerospace Engineering The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges. Our support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, largely work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security, with the aim of tackling climate change and contributing to the independence and security of Europe. When you join us, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. Our work extends beyond the lab—into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace, assisted by an active Diversity & Inclusion team. This includes tangible support such as funding for extra personnel for family and caregiving responsibilities, mentoring programmes, and initiatives that promote cultural exchange and integration. You don’t just join our faculty, you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace. . Conditions of employment Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands. Additional information For more information about this vacancy, please contact S.M.Cazaux@tudelft.nl Application procedure Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 9 September 2026 upload the following documents: CV Motivational letter You can address your application to Dr. Stéphanie Cazaux. Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. Please note: You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security. Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Faculty/Department: Faculty of Aerospace Engineering Salary range: €3204 - €4051 Hours per week: 40 FTE: 1 Submission is possible until: 9 Sep 2026 ID job: 3745