The Astrophysics Group withing the University of Exeter is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Fellow focussing on the spectroscopic and photometric analysis and modelling of the atmospheres of directly-imaged planets and substellar objects. The position is funded for 36 months by the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), and can begin as soon as April 2021, but a starting date later than this may be possible.
The post will coincide with the arrival of an ensemble of data, comprising totally novel imaging and spectroscopy of directly imaged planets, from our Early Release Science (ERS) Programme with James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The successful applicant will work closely with Professor Sasha Hinkley (PI for the JWST ERS Programme) as well as Dr Eric Hebrard, and will have the opportunity to benefit from the first-ever direct measurements of exoplanet spectroscopy and photometry from 1 to 28 microns, and potentially to create a new suite of atmospheric models customised for directly imaged planets by leveraging the atmospheric modelling expertise already in place at Exeter. In addition, the postdoc will also have flexibility to pursue their own scientific programmes. Importantly, we also welcome applicants with expertise in either data processing and analysis for exoplanet direct imaging and spectroscopy, and/or experience comparing/fitting theoretical models to such data.
Please note that the application due date has been extended to 08 February 2021. In addition to the CV and cover letter you are asked to upload, please also attach the following:
- A one-page statement of research interests.
- The names of two referees that can be contacted in case of shortlisting.
The Exeter Astrophysics Group, a vibrant community of ~20 faculty and ~40 postdocs and PhD students, has numerous leading efforts related to multi-dimensional modelling of exoplanet atmospheres (e.g. exoclimatology.com), as well as observational efforts at VLT (SPHERE, ERIS, GRAVITY), the W.M Keck Observatory, and the upcoming ELT-METIS instrument. In addition, the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences holds both Athena Swan Silver and IOP Juno Champion status and is committed to maintaining standards of inclusivity.