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| Observation and theoretical interpretation of forming planets and protoplanetary disks with RISTRETTO | Closing date: 2023-02-15
Contact: Christoph Mordasini |
| Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in the context of future observations of forming planets and protoplanetary disks with the RISTRETTO instrument. The position is available in the research group of Prof. Christoph Mordasini at the University of Bern in strong collaboration with Prof. Christophe Lovis at the University of Geneva. | | ▸ more | The direct observation and theoretical study of forming planets and protoplanetary disks containing forming planets is a fascinating recent development. The goal of this position is to study this science case by targeting forming planets and planet-forming disks with high spatial + high spectral resolution instruments like in particular RISTRETTO (https://ristretto.astro.unige.ch). RISTRETTO (PI: Christophe Lovis) is currently under construction to be eventually installed as visitor instrument at the ESO VLT and will combine ultra high spectral and spatial resolution.
Specific tasks will include the definition of the optimal observations given the instrument characteristics, observing modes and strategies, identification of targets, comparison of expected observations with theoretical models to constrain for example different modes of planetary gas accretion, the dynamics of gas in planet-forming disks, or the exploitation of the information content of spectrally resolved emission lines resulting from accretion. This information will be used to define future observations with RISTRETTO. The work thus includes observational, instrumental, and theoretical aspects.
We seek an excellent candidate with experience in the aforementioned subject. Applicants must have a PhD in astronomy, (astro)physics, planetary sciences or a related field. The person should be proactive, enthusiastic, communicative, and should in particular establish a strong link between the theory group in Bern and observational group in Geneva to where regular and extended visits will be made, working closely with the RISTRETTO team (astronomers and engineers).
The University of Bern (https://www.unibe.ch/index_eng.html) offers a vibrant scientific environment: The department of space research and planetary sciences (https://www.space.unibe.ch) is an established centre in the theoretical research of planet formation as well as in numerous instrumental projects. The collaboration for RISTRETTO continues a long line of similar collaborations of Bern and Geneva with instruments like HARPS, ESPRESSO, NIRPS or ANDES. The University of Bern also leads the Swiss National Center of Competence in Research in planetary sciences NCCR PlanetS (www.nccr-planets.ch). The University of Bern also hosts the Center of Space and Habitability (https://www.csh.unibe.ch) and is the leading house of the ESA transit satellite CHEOPS (https://cheops.unibe.ch). This environment creates rich opportunities for collaborations with researchers at all these institutions.
The city of Bern offers an excellent and international living environment (https://www.unibe.ch/research/advisory_services/welcome_center/welcome_offer/index_eng.html) and is consistently ranked as one of the world's best cities for quality of living by the Mercer survey.
The successful applicant will have access to substantial expenses for travel and computing equipment. Swiss postdoc salaries are very competitive even considering the comparatively high local costs of living, and are set by standard local regulations based on age and experience. The University of Bern is an equal opportunity employer, and female researchers and members of minorities are specially encouraged to apply.
The appointment is for two years. Applicants should submit a cover letter (max. 1 page), a 3 page research statement, a publication list, and a CV (max. 2 pages) to Christoph Mordasini, christoph.mordasini @ unibe.ch and to Christophe Lovis, Christophe.Lovis @ unige.ch. Applicants should also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be directly submitted to the same email addresses. Full consideration will be given to applications received by 15. February 2023. The position is available immediately and an early start would be ideal.
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