The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Observatory are looking for a:

PhD candidate in rocky planet formation modeling

We offer a PhD position as part of the PRELIFE consortium on rocky planet formation modeling at Leiden Observatory, jointly supervised by Nienke Van der Marel (Leiden Observatory), Inga Kamp (Kapteyn Institute Groningen) and Sijme-Jan Paardekooper (Planetary Exploration group, TU Delft). The goal of this PhD project is to model the diversity of the composition of Earth-like planets forming in the habitable zone. The PhD student will be based at Leiden Observatory.

Although the formation of the Solar System has been thought to be relatively well-understood, the diversity of exoplanetary systems around other stars has revealed a number of new processes that affect the formation of terrestrial planets: a combination of a spread in initial conditions as well as stochastic evolutionary processes are likely essential to explain this. Since we do not have rock records from the Hadean to reconstruct the initial Earth volatile composition, we will use astrophysical forward modeling to derive a plausible range of volatile compositions that can be used as a starting point for the hot magma ocean phase of rocky planets. In this project, we will combine state-of-the art terrestrial planet formation models using realistic disc environments informed by observations and a dynamically changing chemical composition, to keep track of the elemental volatile composition of the forming terrestrial planets.

We are looking for a PhD candidate with relevant expertise and a passion for crossing disciplinary boundaries. PRELIFE unites experts across a wide range of disciplines from astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, earth and planetary sciences, education, mathematics, to physics within the Netherlands. Furthermore, PRELIFE will work together with teachers, students, and the public through educational programs, artistic collaborations, and museum partnerships. The PhD candidate will be co-supervised by Inga Kamp (University of Groningen) and Sijme-Jan Paardekooper (TU Delft) and is expected to participate within the network through regular consortium meetings and interdisciplinary collaborations.

As the PhD position is based in Leiden, the candidate is expected to participate in the Leiden PhD program, including participation to the NOVA fall school, workshops and duties as teaching assistant at Leiden Observatory. The student will be a member of Nienke van der Marel's research group Pangolin and a member of the Leiden Graduate School of Science. There will be an opportunity to take part in group meetings and institute events in Groningen and Delft.

Selection Criteria:
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated candidate. The ideal applicant has recently completed, or is about to complete, a Master’s degree in a relevant field (astronomy, physics, chemistry, geoscience or other). Strong communication skills in English—both written and spoken—are essential. Experience with planet formation, dust evolution and/or physical-chemical modeling is particularly advantageous.

Research at our faculty:
Leiden University’s Faculty of Science is a vibrant and internationally oriented environment where researchers and students collaborate across disciplines to expand the frontiers of knowledge. Research at the faculty spans a broad spectrum: mathematics, artificial intelligence, computer science, astronomy, physics, chemistry, bio-pharmaceutical sciences, biology, and environmental sciences. With over 1,300 staff members and nearly 4,000 students, the faculty has experienced significant growth and is situated in the heart of the Leiden Bio Science Park—one of Europe’s largest science hubs, fostering close interaction between academia and industry. For more information, please visit the faculty page.

Leiden Observatory is the astronomical institute of the Faculty of Science at Leiden University. With a rich history and a leading role in international astronomy, we offer a dynamic work environment where cutting-edge research and top-level education come together. Our academic programs include a Bachelor and Master degree, complemented by a renowned PhD program. Together with over 180 dedicated staff members we are committed to academic innovation and fostering a close-knit, inclusive community where everyone feels welcome and valued. For more information about Leiden Observatory, see here.

Terms and conditions
- We offer a full-time appointment of initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the research, teaching evaluations, personal capabilities and compatibility, the appointment will be extended for another three years.
- The gross salary ranges from € 2.901 per month in the first year to € 3.707 gross per month in the fourth year based on a full-time position (pay scale P).
- Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package including pension build-up, paid parental leave and additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%). Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see our website.
- All our PhD candidates are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science.
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Application details:
- Deadline: June 10th 2025
- Starting date: between September and December 2025
- Requirements: MSc degree in relevant field (astronomy, physics, chemistry, geoscience, or other) by starting date

Application documents:
- Cover letter, including name and e-mail of recommendation letter writers (1 page)
- Research statement discussing research background and interest (2 pages)
- CV
- 2 recommendation letters

Instructions: Upload the application documents by June 10th through the system below and fill out the information for your letter writers. Remind your letter writers to upload their recommendation letters by this deadline as well. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Online interviews will take place between June 24 and June 30th, followed by in-person interviews of the final candidates in July (if travel permits).

For further inquiries, send an e-mail to Nienke van der Marel (nmarel@strw.leidenuniv.nl).