Three PhD positions in Stellar Physics, Exoplanet research or Astrobiology at Stellar Astrophysics Centre, Aarhus University

Three PhD positions in Stellar Physics, Exoplanet research or Astrobiology at Stellar Astrophysics Centre, Aarhus University

Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at the Graduate School of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Physics and Astronomy available from 1 November 2013 or later.

Research area and project description:

The Stellar Astrophysics Centre (SAC) at Aarhus University, funded by the Danish National Research Foundation, is offering funding for three PhD positions at Aarhus University, Denmark.

The successful candidates will be part of the Stellar Astrophysics Centre (SAC). The aim of the centre is to perform a coherent study of stars and planetary systems including astrobiology and exoplanet biosignatures. SAC will address key aspects of stars, their surrounding environments, their planetary systems as well as habitability of exoplanets and the atmospheres of exoplanets. From an observational point of view the study of the physics of stars and planetary systems is undergoing a revolution, thanks to recent and coming observational facilities, including the Kepler mission, the James Webb Space Telescope and the Danish-led SONG network as well as, on a somewhat longer time horizon, very likely the European Extremely Large Telescope. The goal of the centre is to ensure that full use is made of these possibilities to perform a coherent study of stars, their interiors, atmospheres, magnetic activity, environment and associated planetary systems, through the integration of several normally separate fields. This includes evolution of planetary systems and issues of potential habitability of the planets in such systems including simulating effects of exoplanet atmospheres on their habitability.

We expect that the many visitors and the postdoc and PhD programme at the Stellar Astrophysics Centre will create a vibrant working environment and we invite the successful applicant to be a member of this environment.  More information on the Stellar Astrophysics Centre can be found via: http://sac.au.dk

Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants to the PhD position must have a relevant Bachelor degree.

Place of Employment and Place of Work:
Stellar Astrophysics Centre, Aarhus Universitet.

The announcement is at: http://talent.au.dk/phd/scienceandtechnology/opencalls/specific-projects/three-phd-positions-in-stellar-physics-exoplanet-research-or-astrobiology/