The exoplanet team of the University of Geneva has an opening for a PhD position to work on the statistical analysis of transiting 

exoplanet populations. The project is linked to the study of the properties of transiting exoplanets including the impact of 

observational biases, the correlation between exoplanets and host star properties, the comparison with synthetic populations 

and internal structure models, the characterization of the transition in mass, radius and density between purely rocky planets 

and volatile-rich planets. A specific focus will be placed on warm exoplanets with low stellar irradiation. The PhD student will 

be involved in different photometric and radial-velocity follow-up programs for the mass and density measurement of TESS 

and K2 transiting candidates. The candidate will be strongly involved in the development of specific tools for the PlanetS 

exoplanets catalog maintained in the Data and Analysis Center for Exoplanets (DACE) platform.

The Department of Astronomy of the University of Geneva offers a modern and vibrant work environment, with a wide range of 

activities including theory, numerical simulations, observations and instrumental developments in the domains of exoplanets, 

stellar physics, galactic dynamics, observational cosmology and high-energy astrophysics. The exoplanet team is especially well 

renown, with strong involvement in planet detection, the determination of the planet physical properties, the characterization of planet 

atmospheres, and the development of an associated world-class instrumentation. We are also co-leading the Swiss-wide National 

Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) PlanetS, dedicated to the study of the origin, evolution, and characterization of planets 

inside and outside our Solar System. The applicant will also have the opportunity to develop collaborations with members of PlanetS.



The applicants are required to have a Master in Astrophysics. Proficiency in Python programming and strong interest in data sciences 

and applied mathematics are considered as a plus. This four-year PhD position is founded by Swiss National Science Foundation with 

a gross salary around 50,000 CHF a year. The position is available immediately. The University is actively seeking to increase the 

numbers of women and minorities in physics and hence women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Interested applicants 

should send (in a single pdf file) a curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, a motivation letter including information on skills and previous 

experience, names of people who can be contacted for a letter of recommendation, and the contact details to Prof. François Bouchy, 

at the Astronomy Department of Geneva University, before 30th April 2022.  


Applications must be submitted though the above webpage. Apologies if you receive this email more than once.