Postdoc Venus Surface- and Atmosphere Geochemistry

Offer Description

Unravel Venus’s extreme climate by combining high-pressure laboratory experiments with atmospheric science. Contribute to future space missions and advance understanding of planetary evolution.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate the coupled evolution of Venus’s surface and atmosphere. The project focuses on understanding the chemical, physical, and dynamical processes occurring in the lower Venusian atmosphere and at the interface between the atmosphere and the rocky surface. The research will combine experimental laboratory work under extreme pressure–temperature conditions with planetary atmospheric science and geochemistry.

The successful candidate will design and conduct high-pressure, high-temperature experiments to simulate Venus-like conditions, analyse experimental products using advanced analytical techniques, and integrate results with atmospheric and geochemical models. Experiments will be conducted in the newly built Delft High-Pressure/Temperature Laboratory for Planetary Materials, part of Delft Planetary Labs (DPL), offering access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities designed to reproduce extreme planetary environments.

The work will contribute to improving our understanding of planetary evolution, surface–atmosphere interactions, and extreme greenhouse climates relevant to both Solar System planets and rocky exoplanets.

The project is closely connected to future Venus exploration efforts, including missions led by NASA. The results are expected to help maximise the scientific return of upcoming missions and support the long‑term development of an integrated Venus simulation facility spanning atmosphere to interior.

The postdoctoral researcher will work in an interdisciplinary environment, collaborating with experts in planetary science, geochemistry, materials science, and atmospheric dynamics. The position also offers opportunities to contribute to mission science preparation, publish in leading journals, and present results at international conferences.

• Design and perform laboratory experiments under Venus‑like conditions
• Analyse experimental and modelling data related to surface–atmosphere processes
• Contribute to planetary atmosphere and geochemical modelling efforts
• Publish research findings and present at scientific conferences
• Collaborate with international mission and research teams

• PhD in planetary science, geochemistry, geophysics, atmospheric science, or related field
• Experience with experimental petrology, high‑pressure experiments, or planetary atmospheres
• Strong data analysis and scientific communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world‑famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world‑class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem‑solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

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…