PostDoc in exoplanet atmospheres University

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 will 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 and atmospheres to understand the formation, composition and evolution of these planets. The postdoc will in particular work on extracting atmospheric volatile abundances and 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 detection of new Neptune‑like exoplanets in photometric time series and their bulk characterisation with space‑ and ground‑based facilities such as CHEOPS, HARPS, HARPS‑N, ESPRESSO, etc. The project also involves key expertise from PD Dr. Daniel Kitzmann & Prof. Brice‑Olivier Demory and their groups at Bern, and from Professors Yann Alibert & Christoph Mordasini, as well as ongoing projects at the observatory of Geneva and ETH Zurich.

The successful Post Doc will have the opportunity to interact closely with these groups.

Ideal candidate: expertise in applying Bayesian statistical methods to astronomical datasets, experience modelling exoplanetary transits, deep knowledge of atmospheric physics (e.g., chemistry, radiative transfer), and a proven track record as an independent researcher. Expertise in extracting spectra from JWST time series data and retrieval of abundances is most useful. Additional theoretical expertise in connecting sub‑Neptune interiors and atmospheres would also be beneficial.

The fellow will play a key role in the IN/AT‑SYNC JWST large programme targeting the atmospheres of sub‑Neptunes in resonant systems (Co‑PI Osborn) and is expected to help obtain further JWST transmission spectra of sub‑Neptunes.

Post Docs will be expected to assist with teaching, supervise Masters projects, and provide mentoring to existing PhD students.

Bern’s Physics institute hosts multiple groups studying exoplanets and solar‑system astronomy, providing a welcoming and egalitarian research environment. The university of Bern is a top‑200 global university located in a highly livable city. Post Doc salaries are internationally competitive, funded for 2 years with a possible 1 year extension, with a matrix provided by the Swiss National Fund. Child allowance and maternity/paternity leave are offered.

We welcome candidates from diverse and minority groups and non‑linear career paths.

• International reputation
• Team‑oriented work
• Central location in the heart of Bern
• University sports