Post-Doc position - Star formation machine learning - University of Geneva link

Postdoctoral Position in Star Formation with Machine Learning

Closing date: 30 November 2025.

We are looking for a candidate for a postdoctoral position at the Department of Astronomy of the University of Geneva in the context of the newly funded Swiss National Science Foundation project "STARforM-Lens:
Accretion in star formation through the lens of machine learning".

The star formation group at the University of Geneva, led by Dr. Marc Audard, has an opening for a postdoc position to work on the newly funded project "STARforM-Lens:
Accretion in star formation through the lens of machine learning", which aims to study star formation and its accretion across time with innovative machine learning techniques. The project will use Gaia multimodal data (photometry, spectroscopy, radial velocities, astrometry, time variability) together with complementary all-sky survey data at different wavelengths. It will employ two distinct ML techniques: the first scrutinises the long‑term evolution of YSO accretion by expanding a large database of panchromatic spectral energy distributions (SEDs) for young stellar objects using Gaia spectra, while the second models short‑term accretion variability using a shared latent space.

The postdoc is expected to focus on the first technique while collaborating on the other technique with a PhD student in Geneva and with the international team comprising Dr. Kai Polsterer (Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Germany) and Dr. Gábor Marton (Konkoly Observatory / CSFK, Hungary). Long visits to HITS are planned. The postdoc will also have the opportunity to be integrated in Coordination Unit 7 of the Gaia Data Processing and Analysis Consortium, toward the final release DR5 planned for 2030.

The Department offers a modern and vibrant working environment, with a wide range of activities including theory, numerical simulations, observations, and instrumentation in exoplanets, stellar physics, galactic dynamics, observational cosmology, and high‑energy astrophysics.

• Research experience in one or more of the following fields: star formation, data science, machine learning, and the ability to work in small international teams.
• A cover letter.
• A statement outlining your past research work and proposed future research directions (less than 3 pages).
• A CV including a publication list.
• Names and e‑mail addresses of at least three references.

Please send your application as a single PDF file to marc.audard.

The initial appointment will be for one year, renewable annually, contingent upon satisfactory performance, mutual agreement, and availability of funds. Remuneration is based on the University salary grid (Canton of Geneva). Generous funds for travel and computer equipment are included.

Complete applications received by 30 November 2025 will receive full consideration, but the search will remain open until the position is filled. Start date is negotiable. Preliminary inquiries may be addressed via e‑mail to marc.audard.