Postdoc in Exoplanets - Atmospheric Characterization - DTU Space

The Exoplanet Group at DTU Space at the Technical University of Denmark, situated in the greater Copenhagen area, invites applications from highly qualified individuals for a postdoctoral position of three-year duration in atmospheric characterization of terrestrial, super-Earth, and sub-Neptune type exoplanets. The postdoc will work with data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to investigate the atmospheric properties of small planets orbiting nearby stars, addressing fundamental questions about planetary habitability, atmospheric retention around M dwarfs, and the diversity of atmospheres around terrestrial and sub-Neptune type exoplanets.

You will work with Prof. Lars A. Buchhave and Dr. Alexander Rathcke in the rapidly growing Exoplanet Group at DTU Space. Our group leads JWST programs and has had multiple proposals accepted from our group (GO 2420, GO 3730, GO 7675). Through international collaborations, we are also deeply involved in several other JWST programs. As a result, you will have access to JWST data and data from other world-class observatories, including access to ESO facilities. Ongoing projects also include work pertaining to the ESA Ariel Mission (co-PI Buchhave, https://arielmission.space). Additional information about the Exoplanet Group at DTU Space can be found at http://www.exoplanets.dk.

Responsibilities and qualifications
We are seeking a talented and highly motivated researcher to work at the forefront of exoplanet atmospheric science with JWST. The postdoc will be involved with the analysis and interpretation of JWST data (new data and/or public archival data) for terrestrial and sub-Neptune exoplanets, including transmission and emission spectroscopy (e.g., from JWST/NIRSpec and JWST/MIRI) with the goal of advancing our understanding of the environments and atmospheres of small planets (terrestrial, super-Earth, and sub-Neptunes). Responsibilities may include enhancing data reduction pipelines for JWST observations, conducting atmospheric retrieval and modeling, investigating the effects of stellar activity on atmospheric measurements, and contributing to the preparation of future JWST proposals and publications from ongoing programs.

Candidates with previous experience in exoplanet atmospheric characterization, high- or low-resolution spectroscopy, atmospheric retrieval techniques, and/or JWST data analysis are especially encouraged to apply. Strong programming skills, expertise in spectroscopic data reduction and analysis, familiarity with atmospheric modeling tools, and a demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively are highly valued. Experience with transmission or emission spectroscopy of small planets, as well as knowledge of stellar activity mitigation techniques, is advantageous. Flexibility and self-motivation are desired skills at DTU Space. In particular, the Exoplanet Group fosters a vibrant collaborative work environment, where collaboration with other group members is highly encouraged.

This project will allow you to work with cutting-edge JWST observations of some of the most favorable targets for detecting and characterizing atmospheres around terrestrial and sub-Neptune planets. You are encouraged to pursue additional independent research interests during your postdoc.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation, and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years. The starting date is flexible but would ideally commence in Q3-Q4 of 2026.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information and inquiries about the position can be made to Prof. Lars A. Buchhave ([email protected]) or Dr. Alexander Rathcke ([email protected]). You can read more about the Exoplanet Group at www.exoplanets.dk and the DTU Space institute at www.space.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted by Friday, 9 January 2026 (23:59 Danish time).
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please click on the "Apply now" link, complete the online application form, and attach all your materials in English to a single PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications
• Research statement describing your previous work and thoughts and ideas for future research (max 3 pages)

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide 2-3 reference letters, which will be emailed to us at a later date.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates, irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion, or ethnic background, are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Space
The Institute has approximately 200 employees and is situated in the greater Copenhagen area at the Lyngby Campus of the Technical University of Denmark, alongside 19 other institutes within the technical sciences. In the Astrophysics & Atmospheric Physics Division of the Department of Space Research and Space Technology (DTU Space), current focus areas cover exoplanets, large-scale structure of the universe, physics of compact objects, space weather, upper atmosphere physics, and cosmo-climatology, as well as development of instrumentation, in particular high-energy instrumentation, i.e. X- and gamma ray detectors and optics. The division is currently active in the operation of instruments and data analysis from three satellites. The division also operates four instrumentation laboratories and maintains a centre for space weather research and forecasting.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

Location
Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Apply Before
2026-01-09T22:59:00+00:00