The search for habitable environments on planets and moons in our solar system involves the remote detection of the typical surface expression of these environments. These expressions include surface compositions that indicate the presence of early and primitive bacterial life and their geological context, which are detectable using hyperspectral remote sensing methods. The detection of these biosignatures requires an understanding of how they are resolved by remote sensing instruments that operate at various scales.

This project strives to develop hyperspectral remote sensing observables, interpreted from lab experiments and terrestrial outcrops of primitive-life environments and their geological context, for the scale-dependent detection of similar habitats on other earth-like bodies in the solar system and beyond. The project is part of the Netherlands Planetary Science Network on Observables of Planetary Habitability. This network project is funded by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) and the Netherlands Space Office and aims to foster multidisciplinary collaboration between planetary science research groups and researchers in the Netherlands. Other research projects within this network focus on interior and surface morphological indicators of planetary habitability.

Your activities include reviewing the literature on biosignatures and their geological context in terrestrial analogues, conducting a detailed multidisciplinary study of a terrestrial analogue, and developing a strategy for scale-dependent hyperspectral detection of biosignatures on other planets and moons. The work will include fieldwork to identify and map these biosignatures at the field scale and laboratory analysis with multiple instruments. Results will be disseminated through high-quality scientific publications and conference presentations. You will work with partners in the Netherlands Planetary Science Network and will be crucial in initiating collaborative research within the network.

• A PhD in planetary sciences or a related field
• A solid background in Earth sciences and in mineralogical, geochemical and spectroscopic investigation methods
• Experience with the analysis of multi and/or hyperspectral data sets
• Interest in the study of terrestrial analogues for the interpretation of planetary surfaces, and the organization of Earth science fieldwork
• Familiarity with modelling of mineralogical stability in terrestrial and planetary settings
• Excellent level of spoken and written English, including the ability to present and explain scientific/technical work clearly and effectively
• A record of high-quality scientific publications
• Socially engaged and a creative researcher with good conceptual, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• An interest in collaborating with other researchers

• An inspiring multidisciplinary, international and academic environment. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in which internationalization is an important part of the strategic agenda
• A full-time position for 2 years
• Gross monthly salary between € 3.858,- and € 5.278,- per month depending on experience and qualifications (UFO profile Researcher 4)
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%
• Assistances in applying for the 30% ruling (a possible tax deduction for foreigners)
• Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development
• A solid pension scheme
• A total of 41 holiday days per year in case of full-time employment
• Excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a lively green campus

The Department of Applied Earth Sciences combines Earth scientific knowledge with dynamic modelling and advanced remote sensing to analyse Earth systems and processes in space and time. Our goal is to contribute to global challenges concerning future demands for Earth resources and to help reduce disaster risk and the impact of natural hazards on communities living in changing environments.

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Dr Frank van Ruitenbeek (email: f.j.a.vanruitenbeek@utwente.nl). You are also invited to visit our homepage.

For questions about working and living in the Netherlands please consult the official website of the Netherlands Government or the website of the Expat Center East Netherlands.

Please submit your application before 6 January 2025 including:

• A motivation letter (maximum 2 pages of A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications and motivation to apply for this position
• Curriculum Vitae including your publications, projects, awards (if any), and working experience, including to references (one of them should preferably be a supervisor or your PhD thesis supervisor) who are willing to be contacted by us
• An academic transcript of BSc and MSc education, including grades
• Your PhD thesis or the latest draft in English (or alternatively, if your PhD thesis is not in English, a 5-page summary of your thesis in English).

Applications that do not have all requested information, will not be considered.

Interviews (online or onsite) will probably take place during the second half of January 2025. Preferred starting date of the position: 1 March/1 April 2025.