Postdoc position on exoplanet atmosphere modelling

The institute invites applications for a two years postdoc position at the Space Research Institute (IWF, Graz) in Austria to join the exoplanet group led by Dr. Luca Fossati. The group concentrates on the multi-wavelength observational and theoretical characterisation of exoplanet atmospheres, and in particular of planetary upper atmospheres. The group is also heavily involved at the scientific and/or engineering level in ESA and NASA missions, such as CHEOPS, PLATO, and CUTE. The work, funded by the Austrian Academy of Sciences, is highly relevant to both NASA CUTE and LUVOIR missions.

The Space Research Institute is the focus of Austria's space research and development. It is involved in about 20 missions led by most of the main world space agencies. These include CHEOPS, PLATO, CUTE, and all major ESA and NASA Solar System missions. The group, currently composed by the group leader, five postdocs, and a PhD student, is highly international and it naturally fosters close collaborations among the team members.

The applicant must hold a PhD in Physics, Geophysics, Astrophysics, or a related field. Preference will be given to candidates with direct experience in radiative transfer modelling, in particular on non-local thermodynamical equilibrium computations. The successful applicant is expected to develop a new radiative transfer code on the basis of already existing tools and to apply it to a variety of planetary atmospheres to study the detectability of specific features of biological interest. Further knowledge and expertise on planetary atmospheres is desired, but not necessary. The successful applicant will also be encouraged to pursue independent research, both observational and theoretical, possibly in line with the group's interests.

The appointment begins as early as possible and not later than September 2018, and will be for two years. Salary will be Grade IV/2 (about 41,500 Euro per year, gross), according to the scale of the Austrian Academy of Sciences.

Applications include 1) curriculum vitae, 2) list of publications, 3) statement of applicant's past and current research experience (max 2 pages), 4) academic certificates, and 5) names of two persons, who are willing to send letters of recommendation.

Applications should be sent electronically via email to [email protected] in a single PDF file. The closing date of applications is 1st of April 2018.

The Austrian Academy of Sciences is an equal opportunity employer and in particular invites women to apply.

For more information, contact Dr. Luca Fossati ( [email protected] ).