Two Postdoctoral Positions in Star/Planet Formation at IPAG, Grenoble.

Two ERC-funded postdoctoral positions in star formation at IPAG, Grenoble.

IPAG (Institut de Planétologie et d'Astrophysique de Grenoble) invites applications for 2 post-doctoral research positions in the framework of the European Research Council Project  "Star-Planet(s)-Inner Disk Interactions (SPIDI): unveiling the formation and evolution of inner planetary systems".

The successful candidates will work on the development of numerical models of the interaction between the magnetosphere of a young forming star, its surrounding accretion disk, and planet(s) embedded in the innermost disk region. The aim of these models is to understand the impact of inner planets on the dynamics of the magnetospheric star-disk interaction and to derive observational signatures that could unveil their presence.

Postdoc I. MHD simulations of star-planet(s)-inner disk interactions.

A solid experience in numerical magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and the use of numerical codes for MHD are strongly sought-after. The successful applicant will work with Jerome Bouvier and his research group at IPAG and will closely collaborate with Claudio Zanni and the PLUTO code development team at INAF - Osservatorio Astrofisico di Torino – Italy, to develop 3D numerical MHD simulations of star-planet(s)-inner disk interactions. The outcome of these simulations will be used as an input for radiative transfer calculations (Postdoc II) to extract synthetic observables. Long-term visits to Turin, Italy, are foreseen to work directly with C. Zanni on the development of the MHD models with the PLUTO code.

Postdoc II. Radiative transfer models of star-planet(s)-inner disk interactions.

Demonstrated experience in the development and/or use of radiative transfer (RT) codes, in particular applied to atomic lines, will be a strong asset. The successful applicant will work with Jerome Bouvier and his research group at IPAG and will closely collaborate with Christophe Pinte at Monash University, Australia, on the development of the MCFOST RT code applied to atomic lines. Long-term visits to Monash, Australia, are foreseen to work directly with C. Pinte. At IPAG, extensive RT calculations will be run in collaboration with F. Menard to compare the results of MHD simulations (Postdoc I) to observations (line profiles, photometric light curves, interferometric images).

IPAG is a world-leading institute in astronomy and astrophysics. It hosts 5 research groups working on stellar and planetary formation, from pre-stellar core collapse to the physics and chemistry of circumstellar disks, and the initial phases of planet formation, on exoplanetary systems detection and characterization, and on planetary science. IPAG is also involved in cutting edge instrumental development (e.g. ESO/VLT(I) SPHERE, PIONIER, AMBER, E-ELT/MAORY), and benefits from the proximity of the IRAM/ALMA node and the Grenoble University environment. The current position offers the opportunity for astronomers to work in a world-class research environment and pursue their career in a very dynamic and competitive field of research.

The candidates applying for the position should have a PhD in physics or astronomy, or in a related field. Interested candidates should send their curriculum vitae, bibliography, a brief statement of research interests outlining their suitability and motivation for one of the positions above, and arrange for three letters of reference. Applications received before January 15, 2018 will be given full consideration, but will continue to be accepted until the positions are filled. Please send all applications and reference letters to: [email protected]

The appointment is for three years and may start as early as March 2018. Funds are available for computing, publications, travel, and other needs. The gross salary is in the range 30-42 kEuros per annum, depending on qualifications and experience. IPAG welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Selective bibliography related to the positions I) and II):

I) Bouvier, J., Matt, S.~P., Mohanty, S., Scholz, A., Stassun, K.~G., Zanni, C. 2014. Angular Momentum Evolution of Young Low-Mass Stars and Brown Dwarfs: Observations and Theory. Protostars and Planets VI 433-450.

I) Romanova, M.~M., Owocki, S.~P. 2015. Accretion, Outflows, and Winds of Magnetized Stars. Space Science Reviews 191, 339-389.

I) Zanni, C., Ferreira, J. 2013. MHD simulations of accretion onto a dipolar magnetosphere. II. Magnetospheric ejections and stellar spin-down. Astronomy and Astrophysics 550, A99.

II) Pinte, C., Harries, T.~J., Min, M., Watson, A.~M., Dullemond, C.~P., Woitke, P., Ménard, F., Duran-Rojas, M.~C. 2009. Benchmark problems for continuum radiative transfer. High optical depths, anisotropic scattering, and polarisation. Astronomy and Astrophysics 498, 967-980.

II) Pinte, C., Menard, F., Duchêne, G., Bastien, P. 2006. Monte Carlo radiative transfer in protoplanetary disks. Astronomy and Astrophysics 459, 797-804.