Academic employee in Planetary Processes and Computational Modeling

Job Description:
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated academic employee to join our team specializing in planetary science and computational modeling. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in developing advanced numerical tools, conducting experimental research, and analyzing geological samples to advance our understanding of planetary differentiation processes, dynamic evolution, and the formation and behavior of short-period rocky exoplanets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize computational tools using Python and MATLAB, including advanced GUI programming for data visualization and analysis.
• Apply and refine inverse modeling methods to study planetary melting processes, evaporation, and condensation mechanisms, with a particular focus on short-period rocky exoplanets.
• Investigate the unique geophysical and geochemical processes occurring in the extreme environments of short-period rocky exoplanets, including magma oceans, surface-atmosphere interactions, and thermal evolution.
• Conduct and interpret chemical analyses using microbeam methods, ensuring high precision and accuracy.
• Design and execute high-temperature experimental setups to simulate and investigate geological processes relevant to exoplanetary environments.
• Integrate expertise in igneous petrology, planetary dynamics, and exoplanetary science to inform models and interpret experimental results.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and present findings in reports, publications, and conferences.

Qualifications:

• Advanced proficiency in Python and MATLAB programming, with demonstrated experience in GUI development.
• Strong expertise in inverse modeling techniques relevant to planetary and exoplanetary science.
• Extensive experience in chemical analysis using microbeam methods (e.g., EPMA, LA-ICP-MS).
• Hands-on experience conducting high-temperature experimental research.
• Solid foundation in igneous petrology, planetary dynamics, and exoplanetary science, with a track record of relevant research publications.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Preferred:

• PhD in planetary science, geochemistry, geology, or a related field.
• Experience with interdisciplinary research on exoplanet environments, particularly short-period rocky exoplanets.
• Familiarity with observational constraints from exoplanet studies (e.g., transit spectroscopy, albedo measurements).

Expected start date and duration of employment
This is a 1–year position from 1 February 2025 or as soon possible.

Place of work and area of employment
The place of work is Ny Munkegade 120, 8000 Aarhus C, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

Contact information
For further information, please contact: Hans Kjeldsen, +4587155687, [email protected],

Deadline
Applications must be received no later than 2 January 2025.

Formalities and salary range
Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.

Aarhus University
Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/

Department: Fysik og Astronomi, Inst. f./Physics and Astronomy, Dept. of

Deadline: 02 January 2025

Location: Aarhus C Ny Munkegade 120