Post-doctoral position in exoplanet observations

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position within the Swiss research platform PlanetS to work on photometric observations of transiting exoplanets. PlanetS (http://nccr-planets.ch/) is a Switzerland-wide research network for planetary sciences with a large focus on exoplanets. The available position is co-offered by the University of Geneva and the University of Bern. It will be located primarily within the exoplanet team at the University of Geneva, with a 6-month stay foreseen at the University of Bern.

The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the follow-up of long-period transiting planets detected by space-based surveys (TESS, K2) and contribute to their interior modelling. He/She will participate in ongoing observing programs of the Geneva exoplanet team, consisting of radial-velocity (CORALIE, HARPS, NIRPS) and photometric (EulerCam, NGTS) observations. He/she will be charged mainly with the analysis of photometry, with a particular focus on the confirmation of long-period giant planets, most importantly single-transit candidates. He/she is expected to complete tasks including light curve modelling, target selection, prioritisation and the joint analysis of photometric and RV data. He/she will spend six months at the University of Bern to conduct the interior modelling of long-period planets using the Bern planetary evolution and structure models.

PlanetS presents a vibrant research environment with a wide range of activities including theory, numerical simulations, observations and instrumental developments related to exoplanets. The successful candidate will have ample opportunity to collaborate within PlanetS, in particular with regard to the CHEOPS space mission and projects related to the characterisation of planetary atmospheres. The exoplanet team at the University of Geneva is renown for its strong involvement in planet detection, the determination of the planet physical properties, the characterisation of planetary atmospheres, and the development of an associated world-class instrumentation.

Applicants are expected to have completed a PhD in Astronomy or Astrophysics or expect to complete it by the start of the position. Applicants are also expected to have experience in observation, data reduction and analysis, especially related to high-precision photometry. Additional experience with either theoretical modelling of planetary interiors or high-precision radial-velocities would be advantageous.

The duration of the appointment is initially for two years, with a possible prolongation for a third year depending on performance and available funding. This position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation with a gross salary around 80,000 CHF a year. The position is available immediately and to be started at latest on 1 May 2020. Interested candidates should contact Dr. Monika Lendl at the University of Geneva. Applications should be sent via email to [email protected] and contain (in a singe pdf file) 1) curriculum vitae, 2) list of publications, 3) a short research statement describing past achievements and future projects (max. 2 pages) and arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent before 15 January 2020.