Postdoctoral position in the field of exoplanets

Do you want to contribute to the development of the exciting and fast-moving field of exoplanetology? Applications are invited for a two year postdoctoral position on the study of exoplanets at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg. We seek a highly motivated and talented researcher with previous experience in exoplanets or exoplanet host stars. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on both theoretical and observational projects related to exoplanets and their host stars under the guidance of associate professor Carina Persson as well as with many international collaborators.

Information about the research and the division
Carina Persson and the Chalmers exoplanet group participates in several international collaborations and space missions such as CHEOPS, TESS, and the future European PLATO mission. The objective is to address the diversity and demographics of exoplanets, and to begin comparative planetology in order to improve the understanding of the formation and evolution of planetary systems. A crucial part is understanding the stellar characteristics and evolutionary stage, and the interactions between host stars and planets. A successful applicant will lead an independent research program expected to align with the wide range of research within the Exoplanet group at Chalmers, and its collaborators. Depending on background and interest, the research topics that are of particular relevance are exoplanet or host star characterisation, how to understand planets through their host stars, the radius valley of small planets, planet occurrence rates, and the influence of birth environment on the formation and evolution of planetary systems. You will have the opportunity to participate in working groups in preparation for the PLATO mission with a planned launch in 2026. In addition, the successful candidate is expected to develop and pursue independent research ideas.

As a postdoctoral researcher you will belong to the the Astronomy and Plasma Physics Division of the Department of Space, Earth and Environment. The research topics of the division cover a broad range of topics which in addition to exoplanets include formation and evolution of galaxies, the birth and death of stars, astrochemistry, and the solar system. The research spans both theoretical and computational studies through observational programs to instrumentation development. The group has close connections to the Onsala Space Observatory, the Swedish national facility for Radio Astronomy 40 km south of Gothenburg. The observatory operates telescopes in Sweden, shares in the APEX telescope in Chile, hosts the Nordic ALMA Regional Center (ARC), and is the SKA center for Sweden. Physically your office will be located at the main Johanneberg campus in Gothenburg in Gothenburg, with opportunities to also work at Onsala space observatory. Related research at the department is the division of Microwave and Optical Remote Sensing which performs atmospheric measurements and studies of the Earth's environment, and the Space Geodesy and Geodynamics group.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility as a postdoc is to perform your own research that is synergistic with the goals of the exoplanet group at Chalmers and collaborators. You are expected to develop your own scientific ideas, and to communicate the results of your research at national and international conferences and through peer-reviewed articles. You should also contribute to the overall activities within the research team. Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with society at large.

Qualifications
We are looking for a self-motivated and highly qualified candidate with a keen interest in exoplanets and their host stars with an excellent academic record. To qualify for the position, you must have completed a PhD in astrophysics before starting your employment, or awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline, and have previous experience in exoplanets or host stars. The ideal candidate will be experienced in one or more of the following topics:

- light curve and radial velocity analysis for exoplanet detection and characterisation
- modeling of exoplanet interiors or atmospheres,
- stellar characterisation,
- interactions between host stars and exoplanets.

Completed courses in astronomy, experience of observations(spectroscopy/photometry), computing skills, including programming (e.g. python, C, MATLAB, IDL), machine learning techniques, Bayesian statistics, scientific writing, and communication are all also considered assets for the position.

We value collaborative skills as well as the ability to work independently and lead your own projects.

Excellent writing and communication skills in English are required.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two 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
Read more and appyl here. 

Application deadline: 2nd December, 2022. 

For questions, please contact:
Associate professor Carina Persson, Astronomy & Plasma Physics, department of Space, Earth, and Environment, Chalmers University of Technology
Email: carina.persson@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 31 772 5537, +46 768 669 604

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