Postdoctoral Researcher (Experimentalist), Melwani Daswani Lab
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Category: Postdocs and fellowships Institution: Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) Location: Tokyo, Japan Work arrangement: In person Duration: 1 Can be extended: yes Salary: ¥418,000 - ¥585,000 |
Number of positions: 1 Application deadline: 2026-06-15 Official announcement: external link Reference code: D126041210 Inquiries: Mohit Melwani Daswani Posted: 2026-05-31 Posted by: 0000-0001-7007-4222 |
Job Description
Background of the recruitment and description of the project
- The laboratory of Assoc. Prof. Mohit Melwani Daswani at the Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) seeks a motivated postdoctoral researcher to lead experimental work on the thermal and thermodynamic properties of organic matter and mineral assemblages relevant to ocean worlds and other planetary bodies. The lab hosts a recently acquired Simultaneous Thermal Analysis/Thermogravimetry Analysis/Differential Scanning Calorimetry instrument with temperature-modulated DSC capability, and this position is central to establishing and advancing its scientific use.
Work content and job description
- The researcher will design and carry out calorimetric measurements (including heat capacity determination via modulated DSC, decomposition enthalpies, and mass-loss characterization via TGA) on samples ranging from pure polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and insoluble organic matter analogs to organic–mineral mixtures simulating planetary interior conditions. Samples will include meteoritic materials, synthetically altered organic analogs, and natural geological samples.
- A key objective is generating high-quality thermodynamic datasets (heat capacity functions, phase transition temperatures, decomposition kinetics) that feed directly into thermodynamic modeling of ocean world interiors.
- The researcher will work in close collaboration with a computational postdoctoral researcher in the same group, and is expected to contribute to shared experimental design, data interpretation, and co-authorship on joint publications.
- Strong communication skills and a genuine interest in bridging experiment and theory are essential. Researchers with backgrounds in organic geochemistry, materials thermophysics, cosmochemistry, or related fields are welcome to apply.
- Communication at ELSI is conducted in English. Full support for research activities in Japan is provided for international appointees.
Assigned department
- Existing departments
- Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI)