PhD scholarship in Exoplanets - DTU Space

PhD scholarship in exoplanets at the Exoplanet Group, DTU Space, Technical University of Denmark. The Exoplanet Group is extensively engaged in the detection and characterization of exoplanets through observations and modelling.
The Exoplanet Group at DTU Space at the Technical University of Denmark, situated in the greater Copenhagen area, invites applications for PhD a scholarship in exoplanet research. The Exoplanet Group is extensively engaged in the detection and characterization of exoplanets through observations and modelling. Our group has a particular interest in atmospheric studies of terrestrial and sub-Neptune exoplanets and extreme prevision radial velocities, but candidates with interests in broader exoplanet areas are also encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will work with Prof. Lars A. Buchhave and Dr. Alexander Rathcke in the rapidly growing Exoplanet Group. At DTU Space, the candidate will have access to data from world-class telescopes, including JWST, HST, ultra precise RV spectrographs (e.g., HARPS-N and EXPRES), and the VLT. Ongoing projects include characterizing terrestrial worlds with JWST (including several PI led programs) and scientific and technical work on the Second Earth Spectrograph (2ES, PI Buchhave, http://www.2es.dk) to discover Earth-mass planets, and 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 student to work at the cutting edge of the rapidly moving research field of exoplanets. Applicants with previous experience in the mentioned areas of research, strong programming skills and knowledge relating to data reduction and analysis and/or modelling of spectroscopic data are especially encouraged to apply. Flexibility and self-motivation are desired skills at DTU Space. In particular, the Exoplanet Group encourages a vibrant collaborative work environment, where collaboration with other group members is highly encouraged.

The above-mentioned projects will allow for the successful applicant to work on a number of cutting-edge datasets, and the successful applicant is encouraged to pursue independent research interests during the course of their PhD.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree. Candidates who are in the process of getting their degree can apply but must have a master’s degree by the time of employment.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

The assessment of the applicants will be made by the end of November 2024 and shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview. We expect to extend formal offers in December 2024.

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 appointment terms
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 Q1 of 2025.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information and inquiries about the position can be made to Lars A. Buchhave ([email protected]) or 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. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 18 November 2024 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file.

The single PDF file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• 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 to be emailed at a later date.

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Space
The Institute has about 200 employees and is located in the greater Copenhagen area at the Lyngby Campus of the Technical University of Denmark together with 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 hih-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 runs four instrumentation laboratories and hosts a center for space weather research and forecasts.

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.

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