The Institute for Astronomy of ETH Zurich, Star and Planet Formation Research Group (led by Professor Michael Meyer) invites applications for new PhD positions related to: i) the direct detection and characterization of extra-solar planets; ii) tests of planet formation theory from an astronomical, cosmochemical, and geophysical perspective; and iii) formation and evolution of young star clusters within molecular clouds.
Salaries for PhD students start at CHF 51’750. Students will have the opportunity to study experimental and theoretical aspects of astronomy through formal coursework, conducting research with local experts in star and planet formation as well as our international network of collaborators, and utilize state-of-the-art facilities.
Switzerland is a member of ESO and ESA, and successful applicants will have full access to their facilities, as well as data from ongoing programs utilizing the Hubble Space Telescope, and the Herschel Space Telescope. The Institute for Astronomy maintains a network of workstations, as well as a range of high performance computing options, including stand-alone machines, large clusters, and the resources of the Swiss National Supercomputing Center (CSCS). Members of the Institute also play a leading role in the interdisciplinary PLANET-Z initiative linking research groups at the ETH Zurich in astronomy, earth science, and computational astrophysics at the University of Zurich. Qualified applicants will be able to explore research opportunities in the Astronomical Instrumentation Laboratory.
Applications are invited from all nationalities and should consist of a CV, description of relevant research experience, academic transcripts, scores from relevant standardized tests (e.g. TOEFL, Physics GRE) a personal statement of interests and goals, and the names of three references that can be contacted if necessary. Materials should be sent electronically in a single pdf file to eth-astro-star-planet@phys.ethz.ch. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2012.
