Category: Exoplanets

Kavli Institute Fellowship in Exoplanets (Fixed term)

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Current state: Approved
Department: Kavli Institute
City: Cambridge
State/Province: Cambridgeshire
Category: , ,
Country: UK
Contact Person: Didier Queloz
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Cambridge University
Application Due Date: Monday, December 08 2014
Web Link: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/5174/

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 5 years in the first instance.

In a new collaborative initiative within Cambridge University, the three departments conducting research activities related to ‘Exoplanets and life in the Universe’, the Cavendish Laboratory, Institute of Astronomy (IoA) and Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), together with the Kavli Institute for Cosmology, are offering a senior Fellowship in Exoplanets.

The Kavli Institute Fellowship in Exoplanets will be for five years and is expected to become available from October 2015. Applicants must have a PhD in Astronomy or a related field and will normally be expected to have several years of postdoctoral experience by the start date of the fellowship. A proven track record of independent research relevant to the research themes conducted on exoplanets in Cambridge is expected. The fellowship is targeted at researchers (observers, instrumentalists or theorists) who have the potential to become leaders in their fields. The successful applicant will be expected to conduct a programme of independent scientific research, prepare proposals to secure research resources (for example, experiment development, access to high performance computing, large telescopes, or other international facilities), write scientific articles for publication in peer reviewed journals and contribute to the supervision of graduate students, outreach and other teaching duties. Applicants must have excellent communication and computing skills.

Salary will be on the same scale as University Lecturers, within the range £38,511 – £48,743 pa. depending on experience plus superannuation benefit. A research allowance of £8,000 pa will be provided.

The post holder will have the choice to be located at any of the three departments carrying out exoplanet research as listed above (located in West Cambridge) but will be encouraged to interact with researchers in all three departments. Research programmes that complement the work undertaken in more than one department are particularly welcomed (see http://exoplanets.mrao.cam.ac.uk for current activities).

Further information on Cambridge exoplanet research and the Fellowship can be obtained from the further particulars or from Professor Didier Queloz email dq212(at)cam.ac.uk.

Further benefits of University employment are outlined at http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/staff/benefits/index.html

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the ‘Apply’ button below. This will route you to the University’s Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), cover letter, publications list and research statement in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date of Monday, 8th December 2014. If you have any queries about your application, please email kavlifel(at)ast.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference LG04473 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

The full advert can be accessed here: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/5174/

Research Associate in Experimental Astrophysics on Exoplanets (Fixed Term)

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Current state: Approved
Department: Astrophysics Group
City: Cambridge
State/Province: Cambridgeshire
Category: ,
Country: UK
Contact Person: Karen Scrivener
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Cambridge University
Application Due Date: Wednesday, December 31 2014
Web Link: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/5175/

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.The Astrophysics Group of the Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in the Exoplanet Research Team of Professor Queloz.The team is involved in observation programmes and active in the development of instrumentation for the detection and characterisation of planets. http://www.mrao.cam.ac.uk/research/exoplanets/

The post holder will be expected to conduct independent research programmes and to actively participate in the exploitation of the NGTS experiment and the activity of the consortium. The candidate must be familiar with the exoplanet field of research and data analysis in general. Experience with astronomical equipment, CCD detectors and precise photometry is desirable.

Other exoplanet research programmes are additionally being carried out at the Institute of Astronomy and in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. Opportunities of collaboration and exchanges with researchers of other departments are encouraged. A Cambridge Exoplanet Research Centre has been recently established to stimulate and promote collaboration between all these teams working on various aspects of exoplanet research.

Applicants should have a PhD in Experimental Astronomy, Physics or another relevant scientific discipline. They should have a proven track record in astronomy research, and scientific exploitation of data.

On appointment, the post-holder will be based at the Battcock Centre for Experimental Astrophysics at the Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics (J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE). Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the ‘Apply’ button below. This will route you to the University’s Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Further information may be obtained from Mrs Karen Scrivener, Astrophysics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, tel: (01223) 337294, or by email: [email protected].

Please quote reference KA04475 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Masters Students in exoplanet materials

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Department: Physics, Astronomy, & Materials Science
City: Springfield
State/Province: Missouri
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: David Cornelison
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Missouri State University
Application Due Date: Thursday, December 31 2015
Web Link: http://physics.missouristate.edu/MaterialsScience/

The Department of Physics, Astronomy, & Materials Science at Missouri State University invites applications for Masters level graduate students to  assist in observational and laboratory studies of exoplanet materials.  The graduate program is in the field of Materials Science, or Natural and Applied Science with a thesis in the area
of exoplanet materials.  Our research group has paid research assistantships available. In our laboratory, we are recreating constituents of hot, rocky, exoplanets and measuring the optical properties. Graduate students could begin during Fall Semester 2014 or Spring Semester 2015. Information concerning course work is available at
http://physics.missouristate.edu/MaterialsScience/ or
http://cnas.missouristate.edu/mnas/default.asp.
        Missouri State University is not a Ph.D. granting institution. Information about our Graduate College and programs is available at http://graduate.missouristate.edu/
Funding for these positions is through December 2015

Two tenure-track positions in Amsterdam for exoplanetary research

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Department: Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy
City: Amsterdam
Category: , , ,
Country: Netherlands
Contact Person: Carsten Dominik and Avri Selig
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Amsterdam and SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research
Application Due Date: Thursday, May 15 2014

Two Tenure-track positions for exoplanetary research and instrumentation at the Anton Pannekoek
Institute for Astronomy of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and at SRON Netherlands Institute for
Space Research. The Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy at the University of Amsterdam
has a long tradition of excellence in astronomical research, including a strong program on star and planet
formation. It is part of the Dutch Top Research School NOVA. At SRON Netherlands Institute for Space
Research specialists from various disciplines work together to push back the frontiers of technology and with
this to advance the boundaries of scientific knowledge. SRON is considered to be a global leader in the area of
earth and space science, due to the space instruments it develops for the satellites of ESA, NASA and JAXA.

The UvA and SRON are seeking to fill two tenure-track positions in the field of exoplanetary research, in
order to start a close collaboration in this area. In the context of a large reshaping of the research
landscape in Amsterdam, the University of Amsterdam and the Free University are intensifying their
collaboration in Natural Sciences, creating one of the largest concentrations in Europe. Research into

exoplanets and the connections with System Earth will be a strong focus of research on the Science Park
campus. In addition, SRON/Utrecht is planning to relocate from its current location in Utrecht to a new
building in the Science Park in Amsterdam. In order to build a new area of joint research between SRON
and the astronomy department of the universities in Amsterdam and other universities, we are looking for

1. An observational astronomer with strong abilities to work with existing ESO and other
internationally competitive instrumentation on the detection and in particular characterization
of exoplanets. The candidate will have an exceptionally strong research program in this area and should
be able to connect both to the research on protoplanetary disks and planet formation at the University of
Amsterdam and to instrumentation efforts at SRON.

2. A planetary atmosphere modelling expert with strong abilities for the analysis and modelling
of exoplanet observations. The candidate is expected to build up strong ties with international
instrumentation teams in the field of the conception and scientific optimization of new ground based and
in particular space based instrumentation.

Both candidates are required to have a PhD in (astro)physics and should have proven capabilities to build
up a research group of internationally outstanding level. Scientists at both institutions have access to
national funding lines, e.g. the “Vernieuwings Impuls” at the Dutch research organization NWO, as well as 

European funding lines like ERC grants and FP7 programs and networks.

The selected candidates will be offered a tenure track appointment at UvA or SRON. The salary will be at
assistant/associate professor equivalent levels based primarily on previous experience.
Letters of application (including resume, research and teaching statements, publication list highlighting
five characteristic ones) and (separately) three letters of reference should be sent to
[email protected] before 15 May 2014. Applications will continue to be considered until the
position is filled.
Comprehensive benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, 13th month, disability insurance, maternity and
parental leave, affordable health insurance, and retirement benefits.
For further enquiries contact: Prof.Dr. Carsten Dominik ([email protected]) and Dr. Avri Selig
([email protected]).

 

Research Associate Position

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Department: Astronomy & Astrophysics
City: University Park
State/Province: PA
Category: , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Heather Lowe
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: The Pennsylvania State University
Application Due Date: Friday, April 11 2014
Web Link: http://www.astro.psu.edu

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Center for Exoplanets and Habitable Worlds (CEHW), at the Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Research Associate in area of the formation,  detection, and characterization of extrasolar planets. The successful applicant will work with Prof. Eric Ford in the analysis and the interpretation of data from NASA’s Kepler mission and planet formation theory.  The position is for two years with a possibility of extension for one more year.
Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Astronomy and two or more years of postdoctoral experience, as well as a strong publication record including experience in the analysis of Kepler data, interpretation of transit timing variations, planetary orbital dynamics and the dynamics of dust grains in presence of gas, radiation and magnetic fields.  Applicants should have significant programming experience, including C, Fortran, parallel programming, IDL, Perl and Unix shell scripts.  Current information on research and other activities can be found at http://www.astro.psu.edu.  Inquiries: Eric Ford [email protected].
 Applications including a cover letter, a CV, statement of research interests, list of publications, and names of three references, should be sent to Ms. Heather Lowe, 525 Davey Lab, University Park, PA 16802 or via email to [email protected] by April 11, 2014. We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to apply.   Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

Postdoc Position at the University of Cologne, Germany

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Current state: Approved
Department: Institute of Geophysics and Meteorology
City: Cologne
Category: ,
Country: Germany
Contact Person: Joachim Saur
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Cologne
Application Due Date: Monday, April 07 2014

A two-year postdoc position starting in September 2014 is available

within the Space Physics/Planetary Group of the Institute of

Geophysics and Meteorology at the University of Cologne, Germany. The

position is renewable up to a total length of 6 years subject to the

continuation of funding.

 

We look for candidates with interest in turbulence in space plasmas

or the interaction of planetary bodies (including extra-solar planets)

with their surrounding plasma environments. Theoretical, numerical

and/or observational approaches are equally well appreciated.

 

Interest to participate in the English-spoken teaching activities in

space plasma physics and planetary sciences of the Institute is

welcome. The position includes the possibility to pursue a

habilitation.

 

Candidates should submit a CV and a cover letter describing their

research experience and interests, and names and contact information

for two references. The position is open until filled, however we will

begin reviewing applications on April, 7 2014. We encourage women and

persons with disabilities to apply.

 

Applications should be submitted electronically to Joachim Saur,

Professor, Institute of Geophysics and Meteorology, University of

Cologne, Germany, [email protected]

Assistant Professor – Theoretical Astrophysics Program – University of Arizona

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Department: Theoretical Astrophysics Program
City: Tucson
State/Province: AZ
Category: , , , ,
Country: USA
Contact Person: Professor Renu Malhotra
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: University of Arizona
Application Due Date: Tuesday, July 01 2014
Web Link: http://www.hr.arizona.edu

FACULTY POSITION Theoretical Astrophysics The University of Arizona The University of Arizona’s Theoretical Astrophysics Program invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position to begin in Fall 2014. The Theoretical Astrophysics Program is an interdisciplinary program that fosters academic and scientific links among the Departments of Astronomy, Physics and Planetary Sciences at the University, to complement with a strong theory program the world-renowned astronomical facilities in Tucson, AZ. The Program consists of five core faculty and about 25 affiliate members working in a range of topics spanning solar system astrophysics to cosmology. In addition to the typical facilities available at a research university, the UA’s Research Data Center provides our faculty access to local high-end supercomputing resources including distributed, shared-memory and GPU architectures. We interpret theoretical astrophysics broadly, and our areas of interest include planetary sciences, atomic and molecular astrophysics, high-energy and nuclear astrophysics, particle astrophysics, plasma astrophysics, stellar and galactic astrophysics and cosmology. We are interested in highly qualified individuals from any area of theoretical astrophysics who will interact effectively with the participating departments. The appointment will be at the level of assistant professor in one or more of the participating departments. Candidates are expected to have a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy or a closely related field. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate through advanced graduate classes, establish and maintain a distinguished research program and contribute to academic service. Review of applications will begin on December 2, 2013 and will continue until the position is filled. Please apply at https://www.uacareertrack.com/, job number 53843. Applicants are asked to submit a CV with publication list, statement of research interests, statement of teaching philosophy, and the names and addresses of at least three references. As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, the University of Arizona recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences and backgrounds. Please direct inquiries to: Professor Renu Malhotra Chair, Theoretical Astrophysics Program 1629 E University Boulevard The University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona 85721-0092 Email: [email protected]

Two PhD positions on exoplanet research at Leiden Observatory

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Current state: Approved
Category:
Country: Netherlands
Contact Person: Ignas Snellen
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: Leiden Observatory
Application Due Date: Sunday, December 15 2013
Web Link: http://www.strw.leidenuniv.nl/phd/apply.php

Leiden Observatory invites applications for two PhD positions to work at the forefront of extrasolar planet research,

1) to work with the Multi-site All Sky CAmeRA, MASCARA to find the brightest transiting exoplanet systems in the sky,

and 2) to study gas and dust from hot, rocky exoplanets.

 

Project 1 (supervision – Ignas Snellen): In a few months, the first station of the Multi-site All-Sky CAmeRA MASCARA

will become operational. Its aim is to find the brightest transiting exoplanets in the sky, between V=4-8, which will

be highly valuable for atmospheric characterization. This PhD project will focus on the first data – selecting the best

candidates, conduct follow-up observations, and discover the true exoplanets. See also

http://mascara.strw.leidenuniv.nl.

 

Project 2 (Supervision – Ignas Snellen & Christoph Keller): This PhD project will focus on two new ways in which we

can learn about the surface and interiors of close-in rocky exoplanets: I) through sputtering, a process well known

from Mercury in our own solar system, in which surface elements are released into space through a heavy bombardment by

the intense stellar wind plasma, and II) through the disintegrating of the most extremely irradiated planets, which subsequently release large amounts of gas and dust into an exospheric tail. The first of these disintegrating planets,

discovered by Kepler, KIC 22557548b, shows a highly variable tail.

 

For these projects we seek excellent and enthusiastic candidates, who are highly interested in observational astronomy.

Leiden Observatory is the oldest university astronomy department in the world, and the largest astronomy department in

the Netherlands. It hosts 60+ graduate students of many nationalities. Leiden Observatory has a large and lively

exoplanet community, actively involved in many areas of exoplanet detection and characterization. Leiden is a charming

university town with international flair.

 

Applicants should have, or soon obtain, a masters degree in astronomy or in physics with a strong astronomy component.

Applications are accepted only through our online application site – http://www.strw.leidenuniv.nl/phd/apply.php. The

deadline for applications and all letters of recommendation is December 15, 2013.

 For more information: Ignas Snellen, [email protected]

                                  Christoph Keller, [email protected]

 

websites:

http://www.strw.leidenuniv.nl

http://www.strw.leidenuniv.nl/phd/apply.php

http://www.strw.leidenuniv.nl/~snellen

http://www.strw.leidenuniv.nl/~keller

PhD position at SRON Groningen

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Department: Low-Energy Astrophysics
City: Groningen
Category: , , ,
Country: The Netherlands
Contact Person: Michael "Migo" Mueller
Contact Email: [email protected]
Institution: SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research
Application Due Date: Friday, November 15 2013
Web Link: http://www.sron.nl/jobs-mainmenu-2480.html

PhD position (4 years) to study the role of asteroids in the delivery of water and organic material to Earth, Mars, and exoplanets.
For full position details, please see http://www.sron.nl/jobs-mainmenu-2480.html and reference offer “928-959 LEA PhD student Exoplanets”

Five Severo Ochoa PhD Fellowships at IAC

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Current state: Approved
City: Tenerife
State/Province: Canary Islands
Category: , ,
Country: Spain
Contact Person: Hans Deeg
Institution: Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias
Application Due Date: Monday, September 01 2014
Web Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/9sh1ptn2vhaz6ql/severo_ochoa_fellowships_2013.pdf

The Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC) invites applications for *five Severo Ochoa PhD Fellowships* in the field of astronomy and astrophysics research. During the period of training, students will carry out their doctoral studies at the University of La Laguna under the supervision of a tutor and will undertake research work leading to a doctoral thesis as part of a research group at the IAC. The IAC, located in the pleasant island of Tenerife (Canary islands), is a leading astrophysics research institute in Spain, designated a “Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence” by the Spanish government. A total of 5 PhD fellowships are now being offered for doctoral students in the following research areas: 1. *Solar physics*: proposed projects on solar magnetism and/or seismology via numerical simulations, radiative transfer techniques and/or observational data analyses. 2. *Exoplanets and Solar System*: proposed projects on the characterization of extrasolar planets and on the study of primitive asteroids. 3. *Stellar and Interstellar Physics*: proposed projects on the following areas: stars, compact objects, dark/bright nebulae and substellar objects. 4. *Galaxy Formation and Evolution*: proposed project on numerical modelling 5. *Cosmology*: proposed project on characterizing galaxy clusters as cosmological tools. The IAC offers its doctoral students bibliographical, computing and observing facilities, and access to its own and international research projects, as well as the necessary funding for the effective undertaking of research activity. They will be based at the IAC’s headquarters (La Laguna), a stimulating and keen working environment, with access to all Canary Islands telescopic and supercomputing facilities, including the 10.4m GTC, to other Spanish facilities, to ESO, ESA, and IRAM. Applications for the PhD-program are open to students from all countries. Successful applicants will join the IAC getting a 4-year fellowship, starting on January the 1st, 2014. In case you are interested in this call, *be aware that the official call and corresponding deadline will be published in the next days at http://www.iac.es/estudiantes.php?op1=131&op2=37&lang=en. *NOTE*: It is expected that deadline will be fixed before the end of October. Should you need administrative/technical support, please send us your questions to ([email protected]) or contact us by phone (+34 922605336).