Two PhD positions in Stellar Physics or Exoplanet research at Stellar Astrophysics Centre, Aarhus University
Two PhD positions in Stellar Physics or Exoplanet research at Stellar Astrophysics Centre, Aarhus University
Research area and project description:
The Stellar Astrophysics Centre (SAC) at Aarhus University, funded by the Danish National Research Foundation, is offering funding for two PhD positions at Aarhus University, Denmark (http://au.dk).
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, K2, the James Webb Space Telescope, the TESS mission (NASA) and the Danish-led SONG network as well as, on a somewhat longer time horizon, the European Extremely Large Telescope (ESO) and the PLATO space mission (ESA). 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.
We announce one PhD position in exoplanet research with the focus on observations of properties and evolution of the exoplanets and their atmospheres. The second PhD-position will focus on theoretical modelling of stellar interiors and stellar evolution.
The many visitors and the postdoc and PhD programme at the Stellar Astrophysics Centre 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
Applications for admittance to the PhD programme must be made through the Graduate School of Science and Technology (GSST) at Aarhus University: http://talent.au.dk/phd/scienceandtechnology/opencalls/specific-projects/two-phd-positions-in-stellar-physics-or-exoplanet-research-at-stellar-astrophysics-centre-aarhus-university/ or via:http://talent.au.dk/phd/scienceandtechnology/opencalls/
Qualifications and specific competences:
The PhD positions focus on exoplanet research modelling of stars and we require a relevant background in astrophysics. You are required to obtain one to three letters of references (from 1-3 referees). The applicant is responsible for getting those reference letters and it is not enough to provide names of people to contact. In case a referee prefer to provide the letter of reference directly to Aarhus University he or she should email the letter directly to Liselotte Kaspersen at lk07@science.au.dk.
Contacts:
A copy of the application material should be sent in parallel to the leader of SAC, Jørgen Christensen-Dalsgaard (jcd@phys.au.dk). Further information about this programme can also be obtained from Jørgen Christensen-Dalsgaard (Stellar physics) (jcd@phys.au.dk) or Simon Albrecht (Exoplanets) (albrecht@phys.au.dk). You may wish to discuss your research proposal with Jørgen or Simon before submitting the formal application.
More information: