PhD positions in planetary science and machine learning

About The Position

We seek qualified candidates for two 4-year PhD positions in exoplanet science in the research group of Prof. Yann Alibert (University of Bern), focusing on the internal structure, formation and architecture of planetary systems, in particular with the help of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) as developed in the AI4exoplanets group. The PhD positions will be part of TAPS (Theoretical Astrophysics and Planetary Science – Prof.

Yann Alibert, Prof. Christoph Mordasini, Dr. Martin Jutzi) at the Space Research & Planetary Sciences division of the Physics Institute of the University of Bern. Frequent interactions with the Centre for Space and Habitability (University of Bern) and Institutes part of SIPS (Swiss Institute for Planetary Sciences) are foreseen.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's and master's degree in physics, astrophysics, planetary science or equivalent. Experience with data analysis, ML and AI methods is an advantage. Candidates should be enthusiastic, persistent, communicative and willing to integrate into the teams in Bern and the Swiss landscape (TAPS, CSH and SIPS). The research will consist of a combination of numerical modelling of the physics of planetary system formation and development of ML and AI methods to analyse their results.

The scientific objectives of the two PhD projects are to study, in the framework of the CHEOPS mission and the future PLATO mission (launch in early 2027), the internal structure of planets and the architecture of planetary system. The work will be based on population synthesis models of planetary system formation developed in our group, as well as generative AI based formation models.

Frequent interactions with members of the TAPS group and with the above-mentioned CHEOPS and PLATO consortia are foreseen.

The formal appointment will be for 4 years at the University of Bern. There will be a standard first year of probation. The annual salary is determined by a matrix provided by the Swiss National Fund. Child allowance and maternity/paternity leave are offered. The successful candidate will participate in group meetings, journal clubs, research discussions, attend seminars and colloquia, interact with research visitors, travel to conferences, etc.,

both in Bern and in SIPS. The starting date is expected to be September 2026 and is negotiable.

The University of Bern is an equal opportunity employer and we particularly encourage applications from female researchers.

• Strong research infrastructure and international network
• Healthy corporate culture and good working atmosphere
• Inspiring work environment
• University sports