PhD Position in Extreme-Precision Radial Velocity Instrumentation for Earth-like Exoplanets (HARVY Project) / PhD Position in Extreme-Precision Radial Velocity Instrumentation for Earth-like Exoplanets (HARVY Project)

PhD Position in Extreme-Precision Radial Velocity Instrumentation for Earth-like Exoplanets (HARVY Project)

Location: 100%, Zurich, fixed-term

Project Background

Radial velocity techniques utilizing extreme-precision radial velocity (EPRV) spectrographs represent the only mature methods capable of detecting Earth-like planets around nearby stars, independent of favorable transit geometry. However, stellar variability often produces signals that are an order of magnitude larger than those caused by small, temperate rocky planets, which poses a significant limitation to systematic surveys. This challenge has inspired a new observational paradigm pioneered by the Terra Hunting Experiment consortium (terrahunting.org).

The HARVY project builds on the legacy of Terra Hunting with the aim of delivering a new reference design for an EPRV spectrograph that is economically manufacturable and deployable in series. HARVY is designed for installation on a global network of approximately ten 1.5-meter telescopes, enabling a systematic survey of hundreds of Sun-like stars, significantly surpassing the capabilities of single-facility programs and enhancing access to world-class EPRV data for the exoplanet community. This will be achieved by optimizing the efficiency of each component of the spectrograph, allowing extreme radial-velocity precision to be attained through a compact, scalable, and cost-effective design.

Job Description

The PhD candidate will play a crucial role in advancing the HARVY optical design. Building upon an existing concept study, the project will focus on the evaluation, characterization, and optimization of key novel optical components. The primary goal of this PhD is to actively participate in the instrument construction phase, leading the design and manufacturing of essential subsystems and contributing to the preparation and execution of the planned on-sky test campaign scheduled for 2028.

The successful candidate will work at the intersection of astrophysics, optical design, and astronomical instrumentation within a world-leading research environment at ETH Zurich. The project contributes directly to the long-term objective of detecting true Earth analogues around nearby stars and establishing robust target lists for future exoplanet characterization missions, such as NASA's Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) and ESA's LIFE mission.

Key Skills Development

During the PhD, the student will develop expertise in:

• Extreme-precision radial velocity (EPRV) instrumentation
• Optical design and tolerance analysis of high-resolution spectrographs
• Throughput optimization and system-level performance modeling
• Characterization and testing of novel optical components and subsystems
• Instrumental stability analysis and mitigation of systematic effects
• Long-term time-series considerations for stellar variability mitigation
• Laboratory validation, integration, and on-sky commissioning of astronomical instruments
• Scientific writing, proposal preparation, and international collaboration

Start Date and Duration

The PhD position (100%) is expected to start in September 2026 (or to be mutually agreed upon with the successful candidate). The initial appointment is for four years, contingent upon satisfactory progress, in accordance with ETH Zurich's doctoral regulations.

Funding

The PhD position is fully funded and based at ETH Zurich. The successful candidate will be employed as a doctoral researcher under Swiss employment conditions, with salary and social benefits provided according to ETH Zurich and Swiss federal regulations.

Profile

• Master's degree in physics, astrophysics, optics, or a closely related field
• Strong interest in astronomical instrumentation and exoplanet science
• Experience or demonstrated interest in optical design, spectroscopy, or precision measurements
• Programming and data analysis skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Zemax, or similar tools)
• Ability to work independently and as part of an international research team
• Fluency in English (spoken and written)

Workplace

The position will be located at ETH Zurich, a leading institution in the field of science and technology.

What We Offer

• Fully funded position with a competitive salary according to ETH standards
• An interdisciplinary and international research environment
• Numerous benefits for the successful candidate

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Sustainability is one of our core values, and we are continuously working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For more information, please visit our group website or the websites of the ETH Physics Department and the Institute for Particle Physics and Astrophysics. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Clark Baker at bakerc@ethz.ch.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology, renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and the direct transfer of groundbreaking knowledge into society. With a diverse community of over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our institution promotes independent thinking and provides an inspiring environment for excellence. Positioned in the heart of Europe, we forge connections globally and collaborate on solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.