Post-doctoral fellow in the study of exoplanet atmospheres - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

The Division of Astrophysics at the department of Physics at Lund University invites applicants to one postdoctoral fellow position in the area of exoplanets and planet formation. We are seeking candidates with backgrounds in the observation or modelling of exoplanets and/or proto-planetary disks, to carry out independent research in collaboration with the exoplanet and planet formation groups at the Division. The position is initially for two years. Anticipated starting dates are in the fall/winter of 2023—2024, but no later than March 1 2024.

Astrophysics at the Division of Astrophysics further encompasses galaxy formation, galactic dynamics and evolution, star formation and dynamics, high-energy astrophysics and stellar evolution. We have strong links with upcoming instrumentation, including Gaia, 4MOST, CHEOPS, PLATO, LISA and ELT instrumentation (ANDES and MOSAIC).

 Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research.The fellow will work in collaboration with Dr. Jens Hoeijmakers, head of the exoplanet atmospheres group in Lund, as well as Prof. Dr. Anders Johansen at the University of Copenhagen, head of the planet formation group. The successful applicant will work on a research theme in connection with the ongoing work in these groups, including high-resolution spectroscopy of the atmospheres of extrasolar planets, modelling of the atmosphere, relationships between present-day observables and the proto-planetary disk, young directly imaged planets, and/or atmospheric escape and plasma phenomena.
Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

The successful applicant will also actively seek external research funding, and aide in minor administrative duties related to the running of the research group that includes Ph.D. students and undergraduate students.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good, proven programming skills, preferentially using Python.
• Experience in carrying out observations of exoplanets or spectroscopic observations is an asset.
• Experience in the application of planet formation theory or models is an asset.
• Experience in the development of models of exoplanet atmospheres is an asset.
• Experience in obtaining funding or telescope time in competitive applications is an asset.
• Experience in the execution of ground-based or space-based observing programmes is an asset.
• Affinity with open software development is an asset.

 Assessment criteria and other qualifications

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the primary assessment criteria:

• A good ability to independently develop and conduct high quality research following the above qualification requirements.
• Teaching skills.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

 Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• A cover letter containing a short, narrative introduction about yourself, your research and your motivation for applying to this position (maximum 1 page),
• a résumé/CV, which should not include a photo nor references to gender (e.g. replace first names by initials), age, and country of origin or citizenship,
• a list of publications, a general description of past research (no more than two pages)
• a proposed research project plan and a vision for future research (no more than two pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• a copy of the doctoral degree certificate if already available.

Reference letters will not be requested and will not be assessed during the initial assessment of applications. The reference persons provided in the application will only be contacted for candidates who are invited for an interview.