The main field of activity is the investigation of early solar system processes by measuring the elemental and isotopic distribution of noble gases in various kinds of meteoritic constituents. The main topic of the Ph.D. project is the study of primitive noble gases (e.g., Q, ancient solar wind, solar, ...) either by sophisticated laser ablation studies and/or on-line etching of carbonaceous chondrites. This study will help to determine the physical conditions in the solar nebula and to decipher the various early solar system processes and their timing, e.g., accretion sequences, CAIs and chondrule formation, ...

A Diploma (MSc) in physics or in a discipline relevant to early solar system processes and/or noble gas mass spectrometry is required. The successful candidate should be highly motivated and interested in learning the techniques of the most sensitive analytical detection method, noble gas mass spectrometry. Strong technical and communication skills are essential.

The position is available from January 1^st and the search will be open until the position is filled. Salary is according to the Swiss National Science Foundation. Applicants should send a letter of application, a CV, and contact information of at least one reference to:

PD. Dr. Ingo Leya
Institute of Physics, Space Research and Planetary Sciences
Sidlerstrasse 5
CH-3012 Bern
email: Ingo.Leya@space.unibe.ch

Application deadline : January 1^st 2008.