DTU Space, the National Space Institute at the Technical University of Denmark situated in the greater Copenhagen area, invites applications for two 3-year postdoctoral fellowships in the area of exoplanets. The exoplanet research group at DTU Space focuses on understanding and characterizing exoplanets with emphasis on terrestrial planets, super-Earths, and sub-Neptunes through two key areas of research: 1) discovery, validation, and precise mass measurements of transiting and non-transiting planets to understand their composition and structure and 2) observation, characterization and modelling of exoplanetary atmospheres. The overall aim of our research is to advance our insight into the diversity and composition of the abundant small planets and to pave the way for biosignature observations. The successful candidates will work with Prof. Lars A. Buchhave and Senior Scientist João Mendonça in the rapidly growing exoplanet group, which is currently composed of six members. Additional information about the exoplanet group at DTU Space can be found at http://www.exoplanets.dk.
Responsibilities and tasks
The successful candidates should have previous research experience in the field of exoplanets. The positions involve a high degree of freedom to work on projects that the applicants find interesting within the research areas of the exoplanet group. We are particularly interested in applicants with previous experience in exoplanetary atmospheres, but this is not a requirement. A description of previous results and, in particular, a research proposal for future research should be included in the application. The exoplanet group at DTU Space is involved in a number of international projects, instruments, and missions and the successful applicant will have access to data from a variety of facilities. Additionally, a number of opportunities are offered in Denmark for young career scientists to apply for additional funding to start independent research groups (e.g. starting grants).
Qualifications
Candidates should have a PhD degree or equivalent by the start of the appointment. Flexibility and self-motivation are desired skills at DTU, as well as a natural interest in collaboration and personal responsibility.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed with the relevant union.
The postdoctoral position is held for 3 years at the Technical University of Denmark, and the annual salary is approximately 498,000 DKK (~75,000 USD) including pension.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from:
Prof. Lars A. Buchhave, email: buchhave@space.dtu.dk
Dr. João Mendonça, email: joao.mendonca@space.dtu.dk.
You can read more about DTU Space on www.space.dtu.dk/english.
Application procedure:
Please submit your online application no later than 15 December 2019 (local time). Apply online at www.career.dtu.dk.
Shortlisted candidates will be informed late January 2020 and will be invited to an interview. We expect to extend formal offers late February/early March 2020.
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration (reference letters can be sent separately). To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
- Cover letter (max. 1 page)
- Research proposal (max. 3 pages)
- CV (max. 2 pages)
- Diploma (MSc/PhD)
- Contact information for 3 references
- List of publications
Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
DTU Space has about 165 employees, an annual turn-over of about 150 MDKK and it is located at the Lyngby Campus of the Technical University of Denmark together with 19 other institutes within the technical sciences. As the National Space Institute, DTU Space is the leading institution of public space activities in Denmark. The mission of the Institute is to conduct research, development, public sector consultancy, education and innovation at the highest international level within the following areas: space technology & instrumentation, earth observation & geoscience and space- & astrophysics.
In the Astrophysics and Atmospheric Division, current focus areas cover exoplanets, large-scale structure of the universe, physics of compact objects, space weather, upper atmosphere physics and cosmo-climatology as well as development of instrumentation, in particular high-energy instrumentation, i.e. X- and gamma ray detectors and -optics. The division is currently active in operation of instruments on and data analysis from three satellites. The division also runs four instrumentation laboratories and hosts a center for space weather research and forecasts.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 11,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. Our main campus is in Kgs. Lyngby north of Copenhagen and we have campuses in Roskilde and Ballerup.