SPECULOOS (Search for habitable Planets EClipsing ULtra-cOOl Stars) is an international, ground-based exoplanet survey that utilizes a network of small, fully robotic telescopes to detect Earth-sized planets transiting nearby ultra-cool dwarf stars. The small radii of these stars provide exceptional opportunities for the detection and detailed characterization of rocky exoplanets.
The southern SPECULOOS observatory (SSO) at Paranal is being equipped with a new dual-band imaging system, DUET, designed to enable simultaneous visible and near-infrared observations of the same target. This capability will allow for the detection of small planetary transit signals, even when they may be obscured by stellar variability in low-mass stars and brown dwarfs. The DUET system is planned for commissioning on two SPECULOOS telescopes in 2027, with one infrared camera already operational at SSO.
The PhD student will play a crucial role in the installation, commissioning, and early scientific exploitation of the DUET system. The scientific focus of the project is to leverage simultaneous visible and infrared observations to enhance the precision of transit parameters and to differentiate stellar and atmospheric variability from planetary signals. This will involve developing advanced techniques for physically informed processing and joint analysis of time-series data.
The successful candidate will conduct observational programmes with the SPECULOOS facility and actively engage in the scientific activities and operations of the international consortium. This PhD project will provide hands-on experience with astronomical instrumentation and state-of-the-art data analysis within a world-leading research environment at ETH Zürich. The work directly contributes to the preparation and characterization of prime targets for atmospheric studies with the James Webb Space Telescope, further advancing the study of potentially habitable Earth analogues around nearby low-mass stars.
During the PhD, the student will develop expertise in:
The PhD position (100%) is expected to start in September 2026 (or as agreed with the successful candidate). The initial appointment is for four years, subject to satisfactory progress, in line with ETH Zürich doctoral regulations.
The PhD position is fully funded and based at ETH Zürich. The successful candidate will be employed as a doctoral researcher at ETH Zürich under Swiss employment conditions. Salary and social benefits are provided according to ETH Zürich and Swiss federal regulations.
The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary and international research environment at ETH Zürich.
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Interested candidates are invited to apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
For more information about our group, please visit our website and the ETH Physics Department and the Institute for Particle Physics and Astrophysics. If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Peter Pedersen at ppedersen@phys.ethz.ch.
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Location : Fully
Country : Switzerland