2 PhD positions in planetary science and machine learning in Bern - Switzerland

We are seeking qualified candidates to fill two 4-year PhD positions in exoplanet science in the research group of Yann Alibert (University of Bern), focussing on the formation, composition and architecture of planetary systems using in particular Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The PhD positions are part of the National Center for Competence in Research (NCCR) PlanetS and the Center for Space and Habitability (University of Bern). Frequent interactions with the TAPS (Theoretical Astrophysics and Planetary Science) group of the University of Bern (Profs Yann Alibert and Chistoph Mordasini) are foreseen. PlanetS is a large national framework in Switzerland that unifies Swiss efforts in planetary and exoplanetary science across Bern, Geneva, and Zurich.  Additional informations on our research group, the CSH and the NCCR can be found using the links provided below.

The ideal candidates have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physics, astrophysics, planetary sciences or equivalent. Experience in data analysis, ML and AI methods are a plus. Candidates should be enthusiastic, tenacious, communicative, and willing to integrate into the teams in Bern and the Swiss landscape (PlanetS, CSH and TAPS). The research work consists of a combination of numerical modeling of the physcis of planetary system formation, as well as analysis of results using ML and AI methods.

 The scientific goals of the two PhD projects aim at studying the emergence of planetary system architecture and the uniqueness of the Solar System’s architecture. The work will be based on population synthesis models of planetary system formation developed in our group since two decades, and their analysis using ML and AI. Beyond the formation of the Solar System, one key goal of the two PhDs is linked to present and future observational projects (e.g. CHEOPS, PLATO, LIFE, ground-based survey using e.g. ESPRESSO) aiming at discovering and characterising exo-Earths. Frequent interactions with member of the afore-mentioned observational projects in PlanetS is foreseen.
 
The formal employment will be for 4 years at the University of Bern. There will be a standard first year of probation.  The successful candidate will participate in group meetings, journal clubs, research discussions, attend seminars and colloquia, interact with research visitors, travel to conferences, etc., both in Bern and in the NCCR PlanetS.  The start date is expected to be summer/fall 2024, and is negotiable.