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| Exploring trends in rocky planets observed with JWST | Closing date: 2026-03-13
Contact: Elsa Ducrot |
| We invite applications for a fully funded 3-year PhD position in JWST observations and atmospheric modeling of rocky exoplanets, based in Paris (CEA and LMD). The anticipated start date is October 1, 2026. | | ▸ more | Context: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has transformed exoplanet science. A key objective is the first characterization of temperate rocky exoplanet atmospheres, highlighted by the 500-hour 2024 Director's Discretionary program Rocky Worlds (NASA, STScl). The most accessible targets orbit M-type stars, the most common stars in the Galaxy, and currently offer the best opportunity to detect and characterize rocky exoplanet atmospheres and, eventually, biosignatures. However, JWST/MIRI secondary-eclipse and phase-curve analyses rely on heterogeneous tools, limiting cross-comparison and introducing biases that hinder population-level studies. A homogeneous analysis framework is therefore essential to derive robust trends and assess whether these planets can retain atmospheres.
Objectives of the PhD: The main objectives are to: 1) analyse all available public JWST/MIRI eclipse data for rocky exoplanets using a consistent framework; and 2) search for population-level trends and interpret them with 3D atmospheric simulations. Combining observations and models, the candidate will identify global trends (atmospheric presence, albedo, heat transport), relate them to key parameters (stellar flux, surface gravity, stellar type), and provide a coherent physical interpretation of the data.
Supervision: The project is co-supervised by Elsa Ducrot & Pierre-Olivier Lagage at CEA for JWST/MIRI data analysis, and Martin Turbet at Laboratore de Metéorologie Dynamique (LMD) for 3D climate modeling. In the first part, the candidate will work mainly at CEA Saclay (1-2 days/week at LMD), then primarily at LMD in the second part (1-2 days/week at CEA).
Research Environment: The PhD student will benefit from a vibrant national and international network bridging observations and modeling, including Observatoire de Paris, Bordeaux Astrophysics Laboratory (LAB), NASA STScl, University of Liège, University of Geneva, NASA GSFC, and University of Montreal.
Qualifications: The ideal candidate should hold a Master's degree in astrophysics, planetary science, or physics; have a strong interest in exoplanets, solid programming skills (Python or equivalent), and the ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary, international teams. The candidate must have good spoken and written English.
Compensation and Benefits:
- 2400 euros gross salary
- Opportunity to teach as a monitor with additional pay
- Full coverage Health insurance
- Possibility of remote work (2 days a week with compensation)
- 28 days of vacation and 23 days of RTT (Reduction of working time, 11 on fixed dates and 12 of your choice). These numbers do not include public holidays.
- 75% of the cost covered for Paris area public transport and a sustainable mobility allowance of up to 300 euros
- Scheduling flexibility
- Meal subsidy in the cafeteria
- Disability Insurance
- Childcare support
- AfterWork activities support
Application Instructions: Applicants should submit their application by email to elsa.ducrot @ cea.fr, martin.turbet @ lmd.ipsl.fr and pierre-olivier.lagage @ cea.fr
Applications must be submitted by March 13, 2026, as a single PDF named in the format lastname_firstname.pdf, and must include:
- A motivation letter
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- Master's grades to date (if still in progress) and diploma (if already obtained)
- The names and email addresses of two references who may be contacted for recommendation
Application Deadline : March 13, 2026
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