Uranus/Neptune postdoc at Observatoire de Paris

Applications are open for a Postdoctoral Research position within the planetary science group of LESIA at Observatoire de Paris, France.

The position is in relation with the ANR (Agence Nationale pour la Recherche) grant “Simulations and Observations of Uranus and Neptune atmospheric Dynamics (SOUND)”. The SOUND project addresses fundamental questions regarding the atmospheric physics of Uranus and Neptune, in particular i) atmospheric circulation and storm activity by means of general circulation models ii) characterizing stratospheric winds and temperatures from observations. This second aspect is the main topic of the post-doctoral position. The successful applicant will analyze existing low spatial resolution CO maps on Neptune acquired with ALMA. The CO 3→2 line will be used to determine the temperature field in Neptune’s lower stratosphere. Moreover, line maps will be explored to search for wind-induced Doppler shifts. Additional observing time with ALMA and NOEMA will be applied for 2023 at higher spatial resolution and for both Neptune and Uranus.

The successful applicant will participate in the use and adaptation of existing radiative transfer inversion codes applicable to both objects. He/she will also be involved in data reduction, modelling, and interpretation. Experience in radiative transfer is required, and preference will be given to applicants with experience with observations at millimetre wavelengths.

The position is available for two years, starting anytime between Oct. 01, 2022 and Dec. 01, 2022. Applications will be considered as they come and are welcome until Apr. 15, 2022.

Applicants should send a brief statement, including date of availability, CV and publication list.

Contact:

Raphael Moreno ([email protected]), Emmanuel Lellouch ([email protected])