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European Astronomical Society
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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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