Ariel Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Ariel Postdoctoral Fellowship Program seeks outstanding early-career scientists to carry out research programs that will support the Ariel exoplanet mission. Each fellowship position is expected to involve a high degree of independent research, although projects that will help build new collaborations among the Ariel Science Consortium are especially encouraged.

Information about the projects
Ariel, the Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey, has been selected as the fourth medium-class mission in ESA’s Cosmic Vision programme. During its 4-year mission, Ariel will study what exoplanets are made of, how they formed and how they evolve, by surveying a diverse sample of about 1000 extrasolar planets, simultaneously in visible and infrared wavelengths. It is the first mission dedicated to measuring the chemical composition and thermal structures of hundreds of transiting exoplanets, enabling planetary science far beyond the boundaries of the Solar System.

Positions offered in 2022 (note for all the following positions, including those starting at U. Vienna, please submit your application materials via this application portal):

1. Chalmers Ariel Fellowship, based at Chalmers Univ., Gothenburg, Sweden (up to 4 years). Relevant research themes include theoretical and observational studies of planet formation and evolution, exoplanet atmospheres, exoplanet interiors, and astrochemistry.

2. U. Vienna-Chalmers Ariel Fellowship, based first at U. Vienna, Vienna, Austria (2 years), then at Chalmers Univ., Gothenburg, Sweden (2 years). Relevant research themes include physical and chemical evolution of exoplanet atmospheres.

3. U. Vienna Ariel Fellowship, based at U. Vienna, Vienna, Austria (4 years). Relevant research themes include formation and evolution of planets and their atmospheres.

For all fellowships, funds and opportunities for dissemination and international collaboration will be available.

Positions at Chalmers will be part of the Chalmers Initiative on Cosmic Origins (CICO), which is based in the Astronomy and Plasma Physics (AoP) division within the Dept. of Space, Earth and Environment (SEE). CICO also includes researchers in the Onsala Space Observatory division and in the Depts. of Physics and Chemistry.

Positions at U. Vienna will be based within the Dept. of Astrophysics, within the group of Prof. Manuel Güdel.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility as an Ariel postdoctoral fellow is to perform research that is synergistic with the goals of the ESA Ariel mission. Research programs that help build collaborations within the Ariel Consortium are especially encouraged. The positions may also include opportunities for small fractions of time teaching at undergraduate and master's levels, as well as supervising masters or Ph.D. students.  

Qualifications
To qualify for these postdoctoral fellowship positions, you must have a Ph.D. in a relevant field by the start date of the position. 

The positions require sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Applications from traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20210474 and written in English.

The application should include the following sections in a single PDF file:
- Cover Letter (please indicate here any preference among the positions)
- CV, including complete list of publications
- Statement of past and current research, max 3 pages
- Research proposal, up to 3 pages text plus up to 2 pages of references/figures

Please also arrange for 3 letters of reference (PDF format preferred) to be sent to madelene.olsson@chalmers.se by the application deadline.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 15 December, 2021

For more information see http://cosmicorigins.space/ariel and/or please contact:
Professor Jonathan Tan (Chalmers; Swedish Co-PI) and/or
Professor Manuel Güdel (U. Vienna; Austrian Co-PI) and/or
Professor Giovanna Tinetti (UCL, Ariel PI)

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!