Ariel Postdoctoral Fellowships

Information about the project and the division
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.

The Ariel Postdoctoral Fellowship Program seeks outstanding early-career scientists to carry out research programs that will support the Ariel 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 Consortium are especially encouraged.

Positions Offered in 2023:

1. Chalmers-X Ariel Fellowship. One fellowship based at Chalmers Univ., Gothenburg, Sweden (up to 3 years), but to involve extensive collaboration and research visits with at least one other Ariel partner institute. Extra research funds for these visits will be provided by the fellowship. Relevant research themes include theoretical and observational studies of planet formation and evolution, exoplanet atmospheres, exoplanet interiors and astrochemistry.

2. Vienna-Chalmers Fellowship. One fellowship hosted jointly at Univ. of Vienna (Prof. Güdel group), Vienna, Austria and at Chalmers Univ., Gothenburg, Sweden (up to 3-year duration split between the two institutes, starting at U. Vienna). Relevant research themes include theoretical and observational studies of planet formation and evolution, exoplanet atmospheres, exoplanet interiors and astrochemistry.

The positions will be part of the Chalmers Initiative on Cosmic Origins (CICO), and hosted in the Astronomy and Plasma Physics Division at the Dept. of Space, Earth and Environment. CICO also includes researchers in the Onsala Space Observatory division and in the Depts. of Physics and Chemistry.

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 postdoc fellowship positions, you must have a Ph.D. in a relevant field by the start date of the position, or awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline. The positions require sound verbal and written communication skills in English. 

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for up to three years.

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 include the following sections in a single PDF file (40 Mb max):
- Cover Letter (please describe here and in your proposal potential collaborative partner institutes from within the Ariel Consortium and any preference between the Chalmers-X and Vienna-Chalmers 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 amanda.frykman@chalmers.se by the application deadline.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 15th Dec. 2022

For questions, please contact:
Prof. Jonathan C. Tan, Astronomy and Plasma Physics
Email: jonathan.tan@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 73 342 9963

*** 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!