2 PhD positions on Ma_Miss instrument (ExoMars mission)

Two new Doctoral positions are oppening at University La Sapienza – Rome (Italy), working at INAF -Istituto di Astrofisica e planetologia Spaziali (Rome),  within the EXODOCS project (ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Doctoral Network), funded by the European Commission under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks programme within Horizon Europe (Grant Agreement No 101226728):  

1. Monitoring the alteration of drill cores from Martian subsurface sampling
2. Developing Spectral Analysis Tools for Trace Organic Detection and Biosignature recognition in Geological Mixtures

(for the description see below)

The Call will likely open at the end of January /begin of February 2026. The call will remain open for 45 calendar days and the candidates will likely start their PhD work at the end of the summer 2026.

EXODOCS is an ambitious European training network designed to prepare a new generation of scientists to maximize the scientific return of the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover mission and to pave the way for future planetary exploration endeavors. 

For general inquiries, please contact the EXODOCS Project Management Team at info@exodocs.eu. For any question about a particular position, e-mail the Supervisor of that position.

Applicants must comply with the following eligibility criteria: 

• To hold, at the time of the PhD starting date, an MSc degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Planetary Science, Geology or related fields. Applicants who are in the final stage of their MSc studies and expect to obtain the degree before the start of the PhD are also eligible to apply. For all recruitments, the eligibility of the researcher will be determined at the date of the recruitment in the action. 
• To have not been awarded a doctoral degree. 

• At the time of recruitment by the host organization, she/he must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of your research career, counted from the date of obtaining the MSc degree (or equivalent). 
• She/he must comply with the European Commission’s mobility rule, meaning at the time of recruitment by the host organization,  she/he must not have resided or carried out her/his main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host organization for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the starting employment contract date. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account. 

• To be proficient in English language.

The selected candidates will receive a salary in accordance with the MSCA regulations for ESRs, constituted by a generous living allowance, a mobility allowance and a family allowance (depending on family situation) as shown in Table 5.1 (note that it also include taxes, social security, health insurance, etc., and that depends on country regulations. Therefore, check the gross salary provided in each DC job vacancy post advertised on EURAXESS):   

• Living Allowance, fixed amount (gross) that depends on the country of the recruitment beneficiary. To be paid as salary in the currency of the host country to all ESRs recruited.  
• Mobility allowance, fixed amount of 600€/month to be paid to all ESRs recruited.  
• Family allowance of 600€/month, depending on family situation. 

	Living Allowance	Mobility allowance	Family allowance
Italy	3.311,6	600	660

At INAF IAPS we have two positions open described below.

1)Monitoring the alteration of drill cores from Martian subsurface sampling 

Context:  

Accurately determining the composition of Martian subsurface materials is essential for evaluating Mars’ geological history and habitability potential. Although the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover’s drill cores are protected from direct environmental exposure, they may still experience alteration due to frictional heating during drilling and subsequent crushing processes, potentially affecting scientific analysis. 

Scientific challenges:  

By comparing spectroscopic data from Ma_Miss (at the drill tip) with those collected on crushed samples by MicrOmega and RLS, researchers can assess alteration effects from sample handling and develop strategies to reduce impact. However, these collaborative practices have yet to be systematically tested. 

Research objectives: 

Impact: 

• Develop advanced methodologies for estimating mineral abundance via NIR spectroscopy  
• Develop automated protocols for cross-comparison of complementary color data and spectroscopic data (improve accuracy in detecting sample alterations); 
• Enhance the scientific return of the ExoMars mission, serving as a reference for future drilling missions (maximize insights gained from in-situ analysis); 
• Provide a holistic understanding of stability and alteration dynamics of Martian subsurface materials (deepen knowledge of Martian subsurface conditions and processes). 

Hiring institution The candidate will be hired by the Sapienza University of Rome (LSU, Italy), while the Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (INAF-Rome) will act as the hosting institute. 

ExoMars instrument team: Ma_Miss 

Supervisor: Francesca Altieri (Francesca.Altieri@inaf.it) 

2)Developing Spectral Analysis Tools for Trace Organic Detection and Biosignature recognition in Geological Mixtures 

Context:  

The detection of organic biosignatures on Mars is closely tied to the mineral composition of samples, with phyllosilicates being key due to their ability to adsorb and protect organics from UV radiation. Formed through prolonged water-rock interactions, phyllosilicates suggest past habitable conditions, making these regions priority targets for astrobiology missions. 

Scientific challenges:  

Despite heavy reliance on spectroscopic instruments, few studies have assessed their capacity to detect trace organics within complex Martian-like mineral mixtures. Additionally, the impact of UV-induced alteration on organic signatures and differentiation between biosignatures and abiotic molecules remains poorly understood. 

Research objectives: 

• Define spectrometer detection limits for trace organics in complex mineral matrices; 
• Examine phyllosilicates’ role in preserving organics under harsh conditions; and 
• Develop cooperative-science protocols to reliably differentiate altered biosignatures from abiotic signals. 

Impact: 

• Develop advanced methodologies for estimating mineral and organic abundance via NIR spectroscopy (improve precision in identifying key Martian minerals); 
• Develop advanced spectral analysis tools for detecting trace organics in Martian mixtures (improve biosignature identification accuracy); 
• Establish protocols for distinguishing organic biosignatures from abiotic compounds (enhance reliability in biosignature detection). 
• Strengthen Ma_Miss, RLS, and MicrOmega (synergy with DC15) capabilities and provide insights from comparisons with instrument used in previous missions (optimize combined strategies for future missions).  

Hiring institution: The candidate will be hired by the Sapienza University of Rome (LSU, Italy), while the Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (INAF-Rome) will act as the hosting institute

ExoMars instrument team: Ma_Miss 

Supervisor: Maria Cristina De Sanctis (Mariacristina.desanctis@inaf.it)