PhD position in (exo)planetary atmospheres and planet formation

We invite applications for a 4-year PhD position in theoretical astrophysics and planetary science in the research groups of Prof. Christoph Mordasini and Prof. Ingo Leya at the University of Bern (Switzerland). The subject is to theoretically study the imprints of planet formation and evolution in planetary atmospheric spectra including recent modifications by stellar and galactic irradiation, and the comparison with observations. The research methods consist of a combination of numerical modelling and analytical work.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physics, astrophysics, planetary sciences or equivalent, ideally with experience in the aforementioned subject and methods. The annual salary is set by the Swiss National Science Foundation and competitive. There are ample funds for travel, publications, and computers. The start date is in the summer 2022 but not later than 1. Sept. 2022.

The University of Bern is a vibrant center of (exo)planet research. It leads the National Center for Competence in Research PlanetS, hosts the Center of Space and Habitability, and is the leading house of the ESA satellite CHEOPS. The city of Bern offers an excellent living environment and is consistently ranked as one of the world's best city for quality of living by the Mercer survey. The University of Bern is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in its workplace. The position is funded through the NCCR PlanetS which is a large national framework that unifies Swiss efforts in planetary and exoplanetary science across Bern, Geneva, and Zurich. Frequent collaboration is foreseen with several researchers that are part of PlanetS.

To apply, send a motivation letter including a personal statement (maximum 1 page), a CV (maximum 2 pages), a list of publications (if applicable), transcripts of your grades of courses obtained during your bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and a cover letter (1 page). The entire application should be submitted via email as a single pdf file to both [email protected] and [email protected]. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that 2 letters of recommendation are sent directly by the letter writers to C. Mordasini and I. Leya, by the application deadline of 1. May 2022.