Exoplanets PhD position in Geneva for statistical analysis of transiting exoplanets
The exoplanet team of the University of Geneva has an opening for a PhD position to work on the statistical analysis of transiting exoplanet properties. The project is linked to the study of the properties of transiting exoplanets including the impact of observational biases, the correlation between exoplanets and host-stars properties, the comparison with synthetic populations and internal structure models, the characterization of the transition in mass, radius and density between purely rocky planets and volatile-rich planets. A specific focus will be done on warm exoplanets with low stellar irradiation. The PhD student will be involved in different photometric and radial-velocity follow-up programs for the mass and density measurement of TESS and K2 transiting candidates. He/She will be strongly involved in the development of specific tools for the PlanetS exoplanets catalog maintained in the Data and Analysis Center for Exoplanets (DACE) platform.
The Department of Astronomy of the University of Geneva offers a modern and vibrant work environment, with a wide range of activities including theory, numerical simulations, observations and instrumental developments in the domains of exoplanets, stellar physics, galactic dynamics, observational cosmology and high-energy astrophysics. The exoplanet team is especially well renown, with strong involvement in planet detection, the determination of the planet physical properties, the characterization of planet atmospheres, and the development of an associated world-class instrumentation. We are also co-leading the Swiss-wide National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) PlanetS, dedicated to the study of the origin, evolution, and characterization of planets inside and outside our Solar System. The applicant will also have the opportunity to develop collaborations with members of PlanetS.
The applicants are required to have a Master in Astrophysics. Proficiency in Python programming, signal processing and strong interest in data sciences and applied mathematics are considered as a plus. This four-year PhD position is founded by Swiss National Science Foundation with a gross salary around 50,000 CHF a year. The position is available immediately. The University is actively seeking to increase the numbers of women in physics and hence women are strongly encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should send (in a single pdf file) a curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, a motivation letter including information on skills and previous experience, names of people who can be contacted for a letter of recommendation, and the contact details to Prof. François Bouchy, at the Astronomy Department of Geneva University, before 30th April 2022.
Contact:
francois.bouchy@unige.ch
Download/Website:
http://www.exoplanets.ch/
http://nccr-planets.ch/
