As part of its long-term strategic interest in exoplanet science, the government of Switzerland has awarded
funding to a network of universities and research groups to create a Swiss-wide research framework known
as "PlanetS". The scope of the framework is broad (see www.nccr-planets.ch) and includes planet origin,
evolution and characterization, considering both the Solar System and exoplanets, in theory, observation and
instrumentation. PlanetS already funds a large number of PhD and postdoctoral positions in the participating
institutions (University of Bern, University of Geneva, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich).
In order to further support this research effort, we are offering a new PhD position in the field of planetary
sciences.
The PhD student is expected to make the link between the theoretical efforts of planet population modeling
developed in Bern and the actual observed properties of planets detected in the various surveys conducted in
Geneva. Novel tools like machine learning and deep learning are foreseen for this project.
Requirements :Master in astrophysics / physics / mathematics. The successful applicant should have very
good physical, computer and mathematical skills. Experience in machine learning and/or deep learning is a
plus.
Start: The starting date of the position is negotiable, and could be as early as November 2018.
Duration and salary: The position is funded for 4 years (50% in Bern and 50% in Geneva). The student is
expected to share his/her time between the 2 institutions.
A Swiss salary for a PhD candidate is of the order of 50,000 CHF a year.
How to apply: Interested applicants should contact Yann Alibert and Stephane Udry
(alibert@space.unibe.ch, stephane.udry@unige.ch) and send within a single pdf file their curriculum
(including professional experience), a one page motivation letter, the contact details of up to three reference
persons, and the notes obtained at the Master level. Complete applications received by October 31st, 2018,
will receive full considerations. Past this date, applications will be considered depending on availability.
The universities of Bern and Geneva are equal opportunity employers, and we specially encourage the
application of female researchers.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Universität Bern, NCCR PlanetS, Gesellschaftsstrasse 6, www.unibe.ch
Apply now