Four Exoplanets Postdoctoral Research Positions in Geneva

The exoplanet team of the University of Geneva has an opening for 4 postdoctoral researchers to work on a range of topics related to exoplanet detection, characterization and theoretical modelling. These topics are:

1. The detection and characterization of exoplanet systems through high-precision radial velocity measurements (2 positions) – contacts for information: Prof. F. Bouchy, Prof. C.  Lovis and Prof. X. Dumusque.
2. The detection and characterization of brown dwarfs and exoplanets using high-contrast imaging (1 position) – contact for information: Prof. D. Ségransan.
3. The interpretation of spectra of exoplanetary atmospheres obtained at high-spectral resolution (1 position) – contact for information: Prof. D. Ehrenreich.

Using the high-resolution spectrographs CORALIE, HARPS, HARPS-N, ESPRESSO, and NIRPS, our team is strongly involved in blind radial velocity (RV) surveys as well as in the follow-up of transiting candidates from NGTS, K2 and TESS photometric surveys. We further exploit these instruments to characterize the atmospheres of transiting exoplanets, allowing us to resolve chemical species across the surface of exoplanets. In addition, based on our experience with Gaia astrometry and using the historical RV surveys, we are probing – with the high contrast imager SPHERE – substellar objects at the divide of brown dwarfs and massive giant planets to study the physics of ultra-cool atmospheres and bring constraints on planet formation and evolution theories. The selected applicants are expected to work on (i) the optimization of the data-reduction, calibration and RV-extraction from both visible and near-infrared high-resolution spectrographs; the mitigation of stellar activity using data driven and machine learning techniques; the combination of RV data with photometric, astrometric and direct imaging measurements, including dynamical developments for the characterization of multi-planetary systems; (ii) the development of advanced high contrast imaging algorithm in the context of current SPHERE observations and in preparation of the SAXO+ project; (iii) the development and/or adaptation of forward 3D atmospheric models or retrieval techniques to exploit transit transmission spectra obtained with ESPRESSO in the optical and NIRPS in the near-infrared.

The successful candidates will be strongly involved in the science exploitation of large programs and guaranteed observing time of the aforementioned spectrographs and in the development of specific tools for the Data and Analysis Center for Exoplanets (DACE - https://dace.unige.ch) for validation and combined analysis of exoplanets.

The Department of Astronomy of the University of Geneva offers a modern and vibrant work environment, with a wide range of activities including theory, numerical simulations, observations and instrumental developments in the domains of exoplanets, stellar physics, galactic dynamics, observational cosmology and high-energy astrophysics. Our exoplanet team is well-renowned and has strong involvement in exoplanets detection, the determination of the planet physical properties, the characterization of planet atmospheres, and the development of an associated world-class instrumentation. We are also co-leading the Swiss-wide National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) PlanetS (https://nccr-planets.ch) dedicated to the study of the origin, evolution, and characterization of planets inside and outside our Solar System, providing thus the applicants with opportunities to develop collaborations with members of PlanetS.

The duration of the postdoc contracts is for 2 years, with possible extension to a third year depending on available funds. Candidates should have less than 3 years after their PhD at start of the employment. The positions are funded by Swiss National Science Foundation with a gross salary around 80,000 CHF and are open for immediate start. Applications (concatenated in a singe pdf file) must contain a CV; publication list; cover letter including a short (1-2 pages) research statement describing past achievements and future projects, as well as interest in the chosen topic; Names, positions and e-mail addresses of up to 3 persons of reference that could be contacted. The University of Geneva is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in its workplace.