Post-doctoral fellow in Astrophysics

Subject description
Lund University invites applications for a post-doctoral researcher to carry out research in the exoplanet atmospheres group of Jens Hoeijmakers. This project is part of a larger project in a collaboration together with the research group of Daniel Kitzmann (University of Bern), which is to develop new radiative transfer and chemistry models to interpret observations of exoplanet atmospheres, including high-resolution ground-based spectroscopy and with JWST. The group of Jens Hoeijmakers focusses on carrying out observations of exoplanet atmospheres, especially high-resolution ground-based spectroscopy of ultra-hot Jupiters. The two groups work together to enable faster, more efficient and more robust interpretations of new and upcoming observations of the atmospheres of hot gas giants as well as smaller, cooler exoplanets. The post-doctoral researcher will join the exoplanets atmospheres group at Lund University, and contribute to the over-arching goals of the project while also carrying out their own independent research. We are therefore seeking candidates with backgrounds in the observation or modelling of exoplanets or astrophysical spectroscopy, whose (proposed) research will be broadly in line with the goals of the project, but may include tangential lines of research. The position is for 3 years. Anticipated starting dates are in the spring/summer of 2025, but may be negotiated.

The exoplanet group is part of the Division of Astrophysics in the Department of Physics. The Division hosts a variety of research groups, spanning 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 posistion is to conduct research. 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 candidate will carry out research in collaboration with Dr. Jens Hoeijmakers and other members of the exoplanet atmospheres group in Lund. The successful candidate is also expected to participate in the teaching activities at the Division (including lectures and/or student project supervision) but up to no more than 20% of working hours (see above).

The successful candidate will be expected to co-superise master student thesis projects, and to actively contribute in attracting external research funding and telescope observing time.

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.

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 assessment criteria:

• Demonstrated specialised expertise within the subject area combined with a demonstrated broad scope in scientific accomplishments and interests.
• Strong, proven programming skills using Python.

Other assessment criteria:

• A good ability to independently develop and conduct high quality research following the above qualification requirements.
• Experience in carrying out observations of exoplanets or spectroscopic observations.
• Experience in the development of models of exoplanet atmospheres.
• Experience in obtaining funding or telescope time in competitive applications.
• Experience in the execution of ground-based or space-based observing programmes.
• Affinity with open software development.
• Prior teaching experience.

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 a maximum of 3 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 one page),
• an résumé/CV,
• a list of publications,
• a general description of past research (no more than two pages),
• a proposed research project plan containing a clear vision for your future research in connection with the project (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 review of applications. The reference persons provided in the application may only be contacted for candidates who are invited for an interview.