Vacancies
Exoplanets PhD position at Geneva Observatory
Density and architecture of low-irradiated exoplanets
The exoplanets team at the University of Geneva has an opening for a PhD position to work on detection and characterization of exoplanets through high-precision radial velocity (RV) measurements. The project is dedicated to the study of the bulk density and properties of low-irradiated transiting planets, particularly temperate planets orbiting low-mass stars (M and K stars). The PhD student will be involved in the RV follow-up, mass and density measurements of TESS and PLATO transiting candidates using the ESPRESSO, HARPS and NIRPS spectrographs. The PhD assistant will be in charge to select and to vet transiting candidates, scheduling and contributing to observations, modeling data, and performing internal structure modeling. The selected applicant will also work on data-reduction optimization, calibration and RV extraction of both visible and near-infrared high-resolution spectrographs, stellar activity mitigation, and combination of RV data with photometry (from TESS and PLATO) and astrometry (from Gaia). He/She will also be responsible for maintaining and updating the PlanetS catalog hosted on the DACE (Data Analysis Center for Exoplanets) platform and for carrying out statistical studies of low-irradiated exoplanets and the architecture of their planetary systems.
The Department of Astronomy at the University of Geneva offers a modern and vibrant working environment, with a wide range of activities including theory, numerical simulations, observations and instrumental developments in the fields of exoplanets, stellar physics, galactic dynamics, observational cosmology, and high-energy astrophysics. The exoplanet team is especially well renown, heavily involved in planet detection, the determination of their physical properties, the characterization of their atmospheres, and the development of associated world-class instrumentation. The selected applicant will also have the opportunity to develop collaborations with members of the Swiss Institute of Planetary Science (SIPS).
Applicants must hold a Master in Astrophysics. Proficiency in Python programming, signal processing and strong interest in data sciences and applied mathematics are considered an asset. This four-year PhD position, funded by Swiss National Science Foundation, offers a gross salary around 50,000 CHF per year. The position is available immediately. Interested candidates are requested to send (in a single pdf file) a curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, a cover letter including information on their skills and previous experience, the names of contacts for a letter of recommendation, and their contact details to Prof. François Bouchy, at the Astronomy Department of Geneva University, before 20th Oct 2025.
Contact: francois.bouchy@unige.ch
Download/Website: https://www.exoplanets.ch/ https://nccr-planets.ch/
