PostDoc in exoplanet atmospheres at the University of Bern

About the project

We are looking for a fully-funded Postdoctoral fellow at the University of Bern to work on the atmospheres of transiting sub-Neptunes. The fellow would contribute to the SNSF-funded “Exo-Neptune Census” starting grant led by Assistant Professor Hugh Osborn which will perform a population-level analysis of sub-Neptune radii, masses & atmospheres to understand the formation, composition and evolution of these planets. The postdoc would, in particular, be expected to work on extracting atmospheric volatile abundances & bulk planetary volatile compositions from JWST observations of sub-Neptunes.

The Exo-Neptune census, funded by SNSF for 5 years, also includes PhD students working on both the detection of new Neptune-like exoplanets in photometric timeseries, and their bulk characterisation with space- and ground-based facilities such as CHEOPS, HARPS, HARPS-N, ESPRESSO, etc. Additionally, PD Dr. Daniel Kitzmann & Prof. Brice-Olivier Demory and their respective groups at Bern provide key expertise on atmospheric observations and retrievals, while Professors Yann Alibert & Christoph Mordasini bring significant expertise in theoretical modelling of interior structures & planetary evolution. The group is also well-linked with ongoing projects at the observatory of Geneva and ETH Zurich. The successful PostDoc would have the opportunity to interact closely with these respective groups.

Your profile

The ideal candidate would have expertise in applying Bayesian statistical methods to astronomical datasets, experience modelling exoplanetary transits, deep knowledge of atmospheric physics (e.g. chemistry, radiative transfer, etc), and a proven track record as an independent researcher. Specifically, expertise extracting spectra from JWST timeseries data and the retrieval of abundances will be most useful. Additional theoretical expertise in connecting sub-Neptune interiors & atmospheres would also be beneficial. The fellow would have the opportunity to play a key role in the IN/AT-SYNC JWST large programme targeting the atmospheres of sub-Neptunes in resonant systems (Co-PI Osborn). The PostDoc is additionally expected to help obtain further JWST transmission spectra of sub-Neptunes.

PostDocs will be expected to assist with teaching, as well as the possibility to directly supervise Masters projects and to provide mentoring to existing PhD students.

We offer

Bern's Physics institute hosts multiple groups studying both exoplanet (atmospheres, interiors, formation, direct imaging) and solar system (planetary imaging, remote sensing, etc) astronomy. This makes for a welcoming and egalitarian research environment. The university of Bern is a top-200 global university in a welcoming international city which is frequently found in the top-10 most liveable cities worldwide. PostDoc salaries are internationally competitive.

The position is funded for 2 years with a possible 1 year extension. We welcome candidates from diverse and minority groups & non-linear career paths.

The annual salary is determined by a matrix provided by the Swiss National Fund. Child allowance and maternity/paternity leave are offered.