Two postdoc positions in exoplanet imaging at ULiège

The STAR Institute of the University of Liège invites applications for two postdoctoral fellowships in the field of exoplanet imaging, open in the Planetary & Stellar system Imaging Laboratory (PSILab) of Dr Olivier Absil. The first postdoctoral fellow will focus on the development, commissioning, and scientific exploitation of a new mid-infrared vortex coronagraph on VLT/VISIR, within the Breakthrough Watch program (search for rocky planets around alpha Centauri). The second fellow will support the development of the high-contrast imaging mode of ELT/METIS, and explore the impact of its combination with high-resolution spectroscopy on the scientific yield of the instrument. Both fellows are expected to spend about 70% of their time on the proposed projects, while the rest of their time can be spent on a personal research subject related to high-contrast imaging of planetary/stellar systems. They will have the opportunity to collaborate with the rest of the PSILab team and with its international partners on on-going observing programs, including vortex coronagraph observations at Keck and VLT.

Candidates must hold a PhD in astronomy or a related field by, but not for more than 6 years before, the starting date of the position. They must additionally not have worked more than 24 months in Belgium over the last 3 years. Applications should include:
- a cover letter
- a curriculum vitae and a list of publications
- a statement of past and future research (up to 3 pages)
The application, merged into one single pdf file, should be sent by email to Olivier Absil ([email protected]). The applicants should also provide the names and contact details of three referees who could be contacted for reference letters.

Complete applications received by 16 April 2018 will receive full consideration. The starting date of the appointments is 1 September 2018, although later dates could be considered. The appointments are for two years, with a possible renewal for a third year contingent upon continued funding and satisfactory progress.