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| Postdoc positions - Calibration data scientist & Calibration instrument scientist - MPI for Astronomy | Closing date: 2026-07-31
Contact: Dr. Joerg-Uwe Pott |
| The Galaxies and Cosmology department seeks two exceptionally motivated and skilled experimental astrophysicists with practical experience in developing optical instrumentation. We seek to strengthen our team to build and exploit the calibration unit (MCA) and the warm optical relay of the ELT first-light instrument MICADO. MICADO is a near-infrared, adaptive-optics assisted imager and spectrograph with exceptional scientific capabilities. | | ▸ more | Specific duties: will depend on the particular experience and strengths of the candidate, the above distinction between calibration data scientist and instrument scientist is somewhat arbitrary. But the ideal instrument scientist will lead the practical side of the verification of the MCA subsystem hardware, will setup functional tests of the final hardware (lamps, stages, hexapod, fibres etc.). Whereas the ideal calibration data scientist will explore the raw data quality, verify data reduction steps, interact with the data pipeline development team and contribute to developing data quality assessment.
Duties will benefit from experience with astronomical mission calibration plans, systematic data analysis of larger amount of calibration data, instrument documentation to ESO standards. Goal is the testing of available MCA hardware and its integration into the overall MICADO instrument to prepare for the preliminary acceptance Europe (PAE) testing at the ESO headquarters in Garching towards the end of the hire.
please check the full job description and application procedure here:
https://aas.org/jobregister/ad/66053cc5
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| Professor in Extragalactic Astrophysics | Closing date: 2026-07-31
Contact: Desiree Della Monica Ferreira |
| DTU Space, the Institute for Space Research and Space Technology at the Technical University of Denmark, invites applications for a professorship in the area of observational extragalactic astrophysics. | | ▸ more | DTU Space, the Institute for Space Research and Space Technology at the Technical University of Denmark, invites applications for a professorship in the area of observational extragalactic astrophysics.
We are seeking candidates from the field of galaxy evolution to strengthen the current research interests of the DNRF Cosmic Dawn Center and to expand the research activities of DTU with a focus on infrared/far-IR/sub-millimetre extragalactic astronomy, on the interplay between galaxy formation and the interstellar medium across cosmic time, and on the development and scientific leadership of next-generation astronomical facilities.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The duties will primarily include research, including obligations regarding publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching with associated examination obligations.
You are also expected to:
-Conduct cutting-edge research in galaxy evolution and formulate and execute ambitious observational programmes on major observing facilities, with particular emphasis on infrared, far-infrared, millimetre and radio observations.
-Lead and participate in national and international collaborations and activities associated with the Cosmic Dawn Center at DTU Space and contribute actively to the strategic development of research directions and partnerships.
-Contribute to the development of future astronomical facilities and instruments, including scientific leadership in instrumentation, survey planning, community coordination or related strategic initiatives where relevant.
-Mentor and supervise students, postdoctoral researchers and early-career scientists at all academic levels, and help foster an ambitious, inclusive and collaborative research environment.
-Contribute to the department's service, outreach and knowledge-exchange activities, including representation in relevant scientific, educational and public-facing contexts.
-Contribute to departmental duties such as committee work, recruitment, assessment, strategy processes and other shared academic responsibilities expected at professorial level.
You have outstanding research achievements in the field of extragalactic astrophysics and galaxy evolution, with extensive observational experience at major ground-based and space-based facilities. You should have particular strength in infrared, far-infrared, millimetre, sub-millimetre, and radio observations, along with an excellent publication record, clear scientific independence, and a strong international reputation appropriate for appointment at the professorial level.
You must have documented experience in university teaching, course development and supervision at the BEng, BSc, MSc and PhD levels, with the ability and willingness to take a leading role in teaching and educational development within astrophysics.
You should also demonstrate strong academic leadership, including mentoring early-career researchers, contributing to the development of the Astrophysics and Atmospheric Physics section, and engaging in strategic planning at the Cosmic Dawn Center.
Additional key qualifications include:
-A proven track record of leading multi-institutional collaborations and of building, developing and sustaining ambitious research groups, centres, or major collaborative programmes.
-A strong record of attracting competitive external funding and of developing long-term research strategies that support growth in people, infrastructure and scientific impact.
-Substantial international research experience and active participation in major international collaborations, networks and scientific communities relevant to extragalactic astrophysics.
-Demonstrated academic leadership skills, including the ability to lead scientific strategy, mentor early-career researchers, and contribute to the broader development of the Astrophysics and Atmospheric Physics section and the Cosmic Dawn Center.
-Documented involvement in, and preferably scientific leadership of, the development of future astronomical facilities and instrumentation, large surveys, instrumentation programmes or community roadmaps.
-The ability to lead and contribute to national and international collaborations and activities associated with the Cosmic Dawn Center at DTU Space, including strategic development of research directions, mentoring early-career scientists, and fostering collaborations across DTU and partner institutions.
-Strong interpersonal, collaborative and communication skills, with the ability to work across disciplines and to engage constructively with students, colleagues, partners and external stakeholders.
You are expected to take a leading role in teaching and educational development at the BEng, BSc, MSc and PhD levels, including course design, curriculum development, supervision, examination, and the continued strengthening of astrophysics teaching within the department.
DTU employs two working languages: Danish and English. You are expected to be fluent in at least one of these languages, and in time are expected to master both.
You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:
-Documented experience and quality of teaching and curriculum development
-Research impact and experience, funding track record and research vision
-International impact and experience
-Societal impact
-Innovativeness, including commercialization and collaboration with industry
-Leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills
-Communication skills
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 31 July 2026 (23:59 Danish time).
Please read the full job description and apply at the university page
https://efzu.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_2001/job/7427/?utm_medium=jobshare&utm_source=External+Job+Share
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| Postdoc on exoplanetary atmospheres in Bern, Switzerland | Closing date: 2026-08-31
Contact: Hugh Osborn |
| We are searching for a Postdoc at the University of Bern to work on the atmospheres of transiting sub-Neptunes, as part of a 5-year SNSF-funded grant led by Assistant Professor Hugh Osborn. The postdoc would work on extracting atmospheric volatile abundances & bulk planetary compositions from JWST observations as part of a population-level analysis of sub-Neptune compositions (called the “Exo-Neptune Census”). | | ▸ more | The PostDoc would principally be working on a uniform analysis of sub-Neptune atmospheres as observed by JWST. The fellow would be involved in the IN/AT-SYNC JWST large programme on sub-Neptunes in resonant systems (Co-PI Osborn), as well as helping to obtain further JWST data for sub-Neptunes. A large fraction of SNSF PostDoc time is protected for independent research. Generous travel funding is also included (~6k/yr) PostDocs are also expected to assist with teaching (≤5% of time).
An ideal candidate would have:
* A proven track record as an independent researcher.
* Expertise applying Bayesian methods to astronomical datasets
* Deep knowledge of exoplanetary atmospheres
Additionally desirable expertise include:
* Theoretical expertise in connecting interiors to atmospheres
* Atmospheric retrievals.
* Spectral extraction from JWST timeseries
* JWST proposal writing
The university hosts a large community of planetary & exoplanetary researchers, including Profs Kitzmann & Demory (atmospheric observations & retrievals), and Profs Alibert & Mordasini (interior structure, planetary formation & evolution theory). The group also has tight links with exoplanetary researchers in nearby Geneva & ETH Zurich. The PostDoc would be able to interact closely with these respective groups.
The university of Bern is a top-200 global university in a welcoming international city (frequently in the global top-10 of liveable cities). PostDoc salaries are extremely competitive (90-110kCHF annually). Funding includes ~6000CHF/yr for conferences and travel. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse and minority groups & non-linear career paths.
Duration: 2 + 1 years
Ideal start date: Late 2026/early 2027
Application: Online (see link below) or via email to hugh.osborn @ unibe.ch. Applications should include a cover letter detailing both your expertise & anticipated research plan (≤4page), an academic CV (≤4page), contact details of two academic references, and the expected earliest start date.
Deadline: 31st August 2026
Interviews: Online in September/October
More info/apply online: https://jobs.unibe.ch/job-vacancies/postdoc-in-exoplanet-atmospheres-at-the-university-of-bern/b9c5af41-7e6f-42b1-8834-6df2ad738813
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| Two PhD Positions in Extragalactic Astrophysics and AI Foundation Models for Scientific Discovery | Closing date: 2026-08-31
Contact: Pascal Oesch |
| We invite applications for two fully funded PhD positions in extragalactic astrophysics within the FUNDIS (Foundation Models for Scientific Discovery) project at the University of Geneva. FUNDIS is a multidisciplinary initiative developing the next generation of AI methods for scientific discovery by combining modern foundation models with the domain sciences. These two positions are part of a larger cohort of PhD students being recruited across several scientific domains. | | ▸ more | The two astrophysics PhD students will be working at the Department of Astronomy at the University of Geneva, but will be embedded in an outstanding multidisciplinary research environment thanks to the new FUNDIS initiative and the new AI Science Center (AISC) of the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Geneva.
One project will develop AI methods for reconstruction, source detection and classification in radio astronomy and multi-wavelength data, targeting distant galaxies with SKA precursor data (MeerKAT+) in preparation for the SKA. The second will develop and apply foundation-model approaches to JWST and Euclid observations, together with simulation-based inference, to study early galaxy formation and observational cosmology.
The students will have access to local computing resources and a cohort of PhD students working on foundation models across different science topics.
The positions are funded for four years, with an expected start date in January 2027 (flexible). The gross annual salary is very competitive and includes standard Swiss social security, accident insurance, and pension contributions.
We invite applications from candidates holding (or completing before the start date) a Master's degree in physics, astronomy or a closely related field, with solid programming experience and preferable with background in machine learning or AI.
Applications should be submitted using the link provided here:
https://academicpositions.com/ad/university-of-geneva/2026/multiple-phd-positions-in-foundation-models-for-scientific-discovery/251494
As part of the application process, please prepare the following documents:
- Motivation Statement (PDF, recommended 1–2 pages, addressing motivation, preferred research topics, career goals, scientific interests, why this programme, which scientific problems you would most like to solve)
- Curriculum Vitae (PDF)
- Research Statement (PDF, recommended 1–2 pages, addressing your past research experience, ML/software projects, publications (if any), future research interests)
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificate(s) (if available)
- English language certificate (if applicable)
Recommendation letters are not required at this stage, but please include up to 3 (min 2) references in your CV. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide recommendation letters later.
Applications received before August 31, 2026 will receive full consideration, but the call remains open until the positions are filled.
Preliminary inquiries about the astrophysics positions may be addressed to daniel.schaerer @ unige.ch and pascal.oesch @ unige.ch. For more information on the other FUNDIS positions, see the link above.
The University of Geneva is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
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| CTAO and Synergy Programme Scientist | Closing date: 2026-09-15
Contact: Evelina Dietmann |
| The CTAO and Synergy Programme Scientist will provide scientific leadership for ESO's participation in CTAO. In return for the effort to operate CTAO-S, ESO will have 10% of the open time on the northern and southern arrays. They will also be responsible for optimising the multi-wavelength/multi-messenger use across ESO's facilities and with other leading facilities. | | ▸ more | The Programme Scientist is responsible for developing and maintaining a strategic vision for multi-wavelength synergistic use of ESO facilities, including advising on and developing strategic partnerships with other astrophysical facilities both ground based, and in space. In particular, the Programme Scientist is responsible for maintaining a strategic scientific vision for CTAO and contributing to ESO's overall policy and long-term planning. They maintain professional contacts at the highest level outside the Organisation and, as postholder, will be assigned to the role for the full duration of the CTAO Programme. In addition, the Programme Scientist serves as the primary interface between CTAO and the broader ESO user community.
The Programme Scientist works closely with colleagues across the Directorate for Science (DSC) to ensure synergies with ESO's existing facilities and the optimal scientific use of ESO's share of observing time on CTAO in support of the Programme's goals. They will closely monitor the evolving scientific priorities of the community within the rapidly advancing landscape of astronomical facilities projected for the 2030s and beyond and foster broad community engagement in planning for the best multi-wavelength/messenger use of ESO's facilities, identify emerging scientific areas, and promote synergetic use of ESO's facilities through working groups, community days, and workshops, in close coordination with the Offices for Science. They also monitor and assess the scientific effectiveness of multi-wavelength use of ESO's facilities, developing strategies to maximise its impact and establishing best practices for both scientific capabilities and operations.
Strong coordination with CTAO is essential. In collaboration with the Communications Department, the Programme Scientist identifies and promotes key science drivers and results. They also work closely with the Observing Programmes Office, particularly for initiatives such as multi-telescope time allocation processes, and the promotion of large surveys and synergies with other ESO facilities, including ALMA.
Together with the Director for Science and other Programme Scientists, they contribute to shaping the Organisation's scientific strategy and play an active role in decisions affecting the capabilities of current and future facilities. The CTAO and Synergy Programme Scientist reports regularly to the ESO Advisory and Governing Bodies, principally on CTAO.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
-Work with the VLT, VLTI, ALMA and ELT Programme Scientists to ensure that scientific synergies between the facilities are identified and propose means to strengthen these where relevant.
-Provide the scientific leadership of the CTAO Programme at ESO.
-Contribute to the Governance of CTAO, representing ESO as required.
-Coordinate the scientific ESO CTAO activities with CTAO, in particular with the CTAO Project Scientist.
-Present ESO facilities to the CTAO user community to promote them and to increase the interest in the exploitation of emerging synergies.
-Advise the ESO Directors of Science, Programmes and Operations on the Programme's strategic scientific goals and assisting with the coordination and updating of observing modes to adapt to the paradigm shift introduced by CTAO.
-Consult the scientific community and ESO advisory committees in developing a scientific vision for CTAO and synergetic use of ESO facilities with facilities inside or outside of ESO.
-Report to ESO and its governing and advisory bodies on CTAO developments, challenges and scientific productivity.
-Support public engagement and outreach, in collaboration with the -Communication Department, helping make the multi-wavelength use of ESO telescopes and their instruments accessible and inspiring to a diverse audience.
The above main duties and responsibilities are not exhaustive and will evolve. As a member of the ESO Astronomy Faculty, the CTAO and Synergy Programme Scientist is expected and encouraged to conduct an active astronomical research programme on a 50/50 basis.
Reports to:
Director for Science
Key Competences and Experience:
Essential Competences and Experience
-At least five years of experience in the field of physics, astronomy or closely related disciplines after PhD;
-Proven ability in developing a long-term scientific vision, understanding science requirements, and translating them into coherent plans;
-Proven experience using astronomical facilities in a multi-wavelength and multi-messenger environment, and knowledge of VHE gamma-ray astrophysics;
-Ability to think strategically, taking a long-term perspective and openness to new ideas, emerging scientific priorities, challenges and anticipating future needs or trends, while communicating a compelling vision for the future;
-Experience in collaborating to develop shared visions and scientific strategies for the future, within and beyond ESO, including the wider astronomical community;
-Effectively lead and inspire geographically dispersed, multicultural and interdisciplinary teams, fostering ownership, engagement and a professional, respectful working environment, and constructively addressing disagreement and conflict;
-Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and constructively, and to facilitate informed decision-making;
-A proactive approach to constructively suggest improvements to established ways of working to create positive change;
-An ability to create and formalise synergies inside and outside the Organisation ensuring that resources are used optimally, cost effectively and transparently;
-A strong record of personal research achievements, demonstrating international recognition appropriate to the career stage in optical and near-infrared or multi-wavelength astrophysics.
For more information: https://recruitment.eso.org/jobs/2026_0038
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| Postdoc Position: Planet-Forming Disks and Astrochemistry | Closing date: 2026-09-15
Contact: Peter Woitke |
| The Space Research Institute (IWF) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Graz, Austria, invites applications for a Postdoc position (f/m/x) within the research group led by Priv.-Doz. Dr. Peter Woitke. | | ▸ more | Your Role: You will prepare archival and new observational data (e.g., ALMA or JWST) for analysis and modelling, including high-quality data reduction, using ProDiMo to analyse and interpret these observations. Additionally, you will support and collaborate with international science teams preparing future ESA space missions.
Your Profile: Applicants must hold a PhD in Physics, Geophysics, Astrophysics, or a related field. You should have proven experience in astrochemistry in protoplanetary disks, ALMA/JWST data reduction, and an excellent publication record.
Our Offer & Application: The appointment is initially for 3 years, with potential extensions up to 6 years based on funding and performance. The position starts as early as November 1st, 2026, though a later start date can be agreed upon.
The application deadline is September 15, 2026, but the position remains open until filled. Apply online at https://www.oeaw.ac.at/jobs?jh=nkujljvb04425fl0u688i6lz2tk9dw7 or contact peter.woitke @ oeaw.ac.at for inquiries.
We are looking forward hearing from you!
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| Postdoctoral positions in observational astrophysics at CNRS / IRAP, Toulouse, France | Closing date: 2026-09-30
Contact: Jean-Francois Donati |
| We invite applications for two 2+1yr postdoctoral positions in stellar and exoplanet research at the Institut de Recherche en Astrophysique et Planétologie (IRAP) located in Toulouse, France, within the SPIRou science consortium locally coordinated by Drs JF Donati and C Moutou. | | ▸ more | The first project aims at modeling the planetary systems and magnetic topologies of M dwarfs, monitored with the SPIRou near-infrared spectropolarimeter at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) since 2019 in the framework of the SPIRou Large Programs. The goal is to exploit SPIRou data collected for a few tens of M dwarfs of various masses, to (i) study the radial velocity curves and filter out activity to unveil / constrain their planetary systems , (ii) analyse the spectropolarimetric data with Zeeman-Doppler imaging (ZDI) to reconstruct the evolving stellar magnetic topologies and characterize the underlying dynamo processes.
The second project aims at modeling the magnetic topologies and accretion processes of pre-main sequence low-mass (T Tauri) stars, also monitored with SPIRou at CFHT since 2019. The goal is to analyze existing and future SPIRou data for a number of T Tauri stars of various masses, ages and accretion rates, to (i) model the spectropolarimetric data with ZDI, reconstruct the evolving stellar magnetic topologies and characterize the magnetospheric accretion processes taking place between the inner accretion disk and the stellar surface, and (ii) study the radial velocity curves and filter out activity to unveil and characterize potential close-in massive planets.
Forthcoming observations will also include, in addition to SPIRou near-infrared spectra, optical spectra simultaneously collected with the ESPaDOnS spectropolarimeter at CFHT, further broadening the panel of available diagnostics for both projects. The work will take place at IRAP with Drs JF Donati and C Moutou, starting Q4 2026 (preferably) or Q1 2027.
In addition to a PhD in astrophysics, the candidates must have a solid background in stellar spectropolarimetry and / or velocimetry to efficiently analyze spectra collected with SPIRou and ESPaDOnS.
The candidates should provide by 2026 September 30 the following documents (PDF only, via a file server):
* a motivation letter (<2p),
* a description of past and current research statements (<5p),
* a CV (<2p)
* a publication list,
* 3 reference letters sent by the mentors (same deadline)
to Drs JF Donati (jean-francois.donati @ cnrs.fr) and C Moutou (claire.moutou @ cnrs.fr).
Short-listed candidates will be invited for an on-line interview ~2 weeks after the deadline.
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| EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope Corporation | Closing date: 2026-10-31
Contact: Céline Reylé |
| The Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope Corporation (CFHT) invites applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary scientific and organizational leader to guide one of the world’s premier astronomical observatories through a pivotal chapter in its history — one that demands both scientific ambition and a deep, genuine commitment to the people and places of Hawaiʻi. | | ▸ more | The successful candidate will bring:
• A graduate degree (Master’s or doctoral level) in astronomy, astrophysics, engineering, or a closely related field, or equivalent demonstrated leadership experience in a science or technology-intensive organization.
• Broad knowledge of astronomy, including familiarity with optical and infrared observational techniques and instrumentation.
• Demonstrated experience managing a scientific research facility, technical organization, or comparable institution in a team-oriented, international environment.
• Very strong communication skills and a proven ability to inspire, motivate, and make compelling public presentations; demonstrated skills in institutional and international relations.
• The ability to think and act strategically, with a track record of translating vision into results.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and a genuine commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with experience engaging authentically across diverse communities — a quality of particular importance given CFHT’s responsibilities on Maunakea.
Applications should be submitted electronically to the CFHT Search Committee and must include a curriculum vitae and the names and contact information of at least three references who may be contacted for confidential evaluations. Information about CFHT is available at www.cfht.hawaii.edu. Applications can be submitted at this link: https://cfht.applicantpro.com/jobs/. Prospective applicants with questions about the position or the search process are encouraged to contact the Search Committee at positioninfo @ cfht.hawaii.edu.
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