We are excited to welcome applications for a 3-year postdoctoral position to work on exoplanet atmospheres with Dr Jayne Birkby and her group at the Anton Pannekoek Institute for Astronomy (the API). 

We seek a curiosity-driven researcher with a passion for modelling atmospheric data, and a keenness to explore as-yet untapped regimes of exoplanet atmosphere studies. The successful applicant will become a key member of Dr Birkby’s ERC funded project exoZoo, which aims to open new windows on studying exoplanet atmospheres. Candidates with a background in atmospheric modelling from the Planetary, Earth, or Exoplanet Science communities are encouraged to apply, and we are also open to other areas of expertise within astrophysics.

The successful applicant will join the vibrant and expanding exoplanet group at the API, with opportunities to collaborate with over 20 exoplanet and planet formation researchers. Furthermore, the University of Amsterdam has a developing profile in Origins of Life research, with opportunities to explore areas connected to astrobiology and biosignatures.

The research will initially focus on high spectral resolution theoretical modelling of exoplanet atmospheres to enable the interpretation of such observations embedded as part of the exoZoo project. This includes both optical and infrared spectra which can be explored in emission, reflection, and transmission. Previous experience in modelling any of these aspects would be beneficial for the position, but is not mandatory. A key goal of exoZoo is to exploit the full power of multi-resolution datasets, combing those from ground- and space-based instruments. An interest in helping to develop the statistical modelling approach to this combination is also a welcomed quality. The applicant is also encouraged to highlight their own research goals within exoplanet atmospheres and the synergies these can have with the exoZoo project. exoZoo ultimately aims to prepare for future observations with ELT instrumentation, particularly the Dutch-led instrument METIS, that will enable the study of the atmospheres of nearby rocky worlds.

Applicants should have a PhD in either astronomy, planetary science, or physics. In addition, the applicant should have a proven track record in either atmospheric modelling, and/or exoplanet research, and/or other related areas.

The appointment is intended for an initial period of 2 years, with renewal for a 3rd year contingent upon satisfactory progress. The start of the appointment will be 1 October 2019, or as soon thereafter as possible.
The salary will be in accordance with the university regulations for academic personnel, and will range from €2,709 to €4,274 (salary scale 10) gross per month (based on a full-time appointment). This is excl. 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end of year bonus. The Collective Labour Agreement (Cao) of Dutch universities is applicable.

University of Amsterdam

With over 5,000 employees, 30,000 students and a budget of more than 600 million euros, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is an intellectual hub within the Netherlands. Teaching and research at the UvA are conducted within seven faculties: Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Economics and Business, Law, Science, Medicine and Dentistry. Housed on four city campuses in or near the heart of Amsterdam, where disciplines come together and interact, the faculties have close links with thousands of researchers and hundreds of institutions at home and abroad.  

The UvA’s students and employees are independent thinkers, competent rebels who dare to question dogmas and aren’t satisfied with easy answers and standard solutions. To work at the UvA is to work in an independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterised by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society.

http://www.uva.nl/en/home

Anton Pannekoek Institute

The Anton Pannekoek Institute (API) furthers research, teaching, and public understanding of astronomy. It conducts astronomical research and trains astronomers from bachelor to postdoctoral level, aiming at world-leading level in its activities.

https://api.uva.nl/