PhD student position in direct exoplanet characterisation

The Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Marseille (LAM) invites applications for a PhD student position in the context of the HiRISE project funded by the European Research Council (ERC). The project aims at implementing a fibre coupling between the VLT/SPHERE and VLT/CRIRES+ instruments to enable the characterization of directly imaged exoplanets at high-spectral resolution. The work will be carried out under the direction of Dr. Arthur Vigan. The project will be dedicated to the preparation of the scientific exploitation of the HiRISE data based on data from existing high-spectral resolution spectrographs in the visible and near-infrared. More details on the PhD project are available here (PDF).

We seek excellent students with a good background in physics, data analysis or observational astronomy. Candidates must hold a Masters degree or equivalent by the starting date of the position. Previous research experience and skills will be one of the selection criteria. Strong team spirit, high motivation and good communication skills in English are required. LAM and CNRS are actively committed to equal opportunity in employment.

Applicants should send a CV, transcripts of study records with grades, and a letter summarising past research experience and motivations to Dr. Arthur Vigan ([email protected]). They should also arrange for 2 reference letters to be sent to this address by the application deadline.

Review of applications will begin 1 June 2018. The expected starting date is 1 October 2018, with some flexibility. The position is funded for 3 years, the full duration of a PhD in France.