2 PhD positions in planetary science and machine learning

Description

The scientific objectives of the two PhD projects are to study, in the framework of the CHEOPS mission and the future PLATO mission (launch in early 2027), the internal structure of planets and the architecture of planetary system. The work will be based on population synthesis models of planetary system formation developed in our group, as well as generative AI based formation models. Frequent interactions with members of the TAPS group and with the above-mentioned CHEOPS and PLATO consortia are foreseen.

The formal appointment will be for 4 years at the University of Bern. There will be a standard first year of probation. The annual salary is determined by a matrix provided by the Swiss National Fund. Child allowance and maternity/paternity leave are offered.

The starting date is expected to be September 2026 and is negotiable.

Responsibilities

• Participate in group meetings, journal clubs, research discussions
• Attend seminars and colloquia
• Interact with research visitors
• Travel to conferences, etc., both in Bern and in SIPS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's and master's degree in physics, astrophysics, planetary science or equivalent
• Experience with data analysis, ML and AI methods is an advantage
• Enthusiastic, persistent, communicative and willing to integrate into the teams in Bern and the Swiss landscape (TAPS, CSH and SIPS)

Benefits

• Strong research infrastructure
• International network