Postdoctoral position in observational stellar physics and exoplanet science at IRAP/OMP (Toulouse, France)

Applications are invited for a 2-year postdoctoral position (renewable for 1 year) in observational stellar physics and exoplanet science at IRAP/OMP (Toulouse, France).  The successful candidate will work with Dr JF Donati and the NewWorlds ERC team, focussing on observations of M dwarfs and their planetary systems with SPIRou, the new generation near-IR velocimeter / spectropolarimeter recently installed at CFHT.  

More specifically, the candidate will study radial velocity curves and spectropolarimetric signatures secured with SPIRou, with the aim of detecting, and measuring the masses of, the multiple planets presumably orbiting around most nearby M dwarfs to be surveyed with SPIRou.  Particular care will be given to the modeling of stellar activity and to the filtering of the activity jitter from RV curves that the polarimetric capabilities of SPIRou will allow, for which novel techniques are to be improved, tested and optimized.  

This project takes place within the framework of the SPIRou Legacy Survey, a 300-night observational programme dedicated to planetary systems of M dwarfs and magnetized star / planet formation, to be carried out with SPIRou at CFHT from 2018 to 2022.  

We are seeking a highly-motivated postdoctoral researcher specialized in observational stellar physics and exoplanet science. Prior experience in the following areas is preferred: velocimetric studies, activity modeling, tomographic imaging, bayesian analysis, spectropolarimetry.  

Applicants should send their complete CV with full publication list, along with their long-term research project, to [email protected] by Feb 15, 2019.  Applicants should also arrange for at least 3 reference letters to be sent to the above address by the same deadline.