postdoctoral position on exoplanet IMAGING USING EXTREME ADAPTATIVE OPTICS

The exoplanet team of Geneva University has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher on exoplanet imaging using extreme adaptive optics. The project aims at identifying and studying the physics (chemical composition, evolution, mass determination) of ultra-cool companions to nearby main sequence stars in the separation range of 10-100 AU. Such a challenging feat is possible thanks to:

• a unique sample of nearby stars with promising low mass companion candidates derived from 20 years of precise radial velocity measurements with CORALIE/HARPS and close to 5 year of astrometric measurements with GAIA. 
• State of the art high contrast imaging & spectroscopic instruments(SPHERE/GPI) that allow us to detect and characterize faint companions with contrast as high as 300 000 (∆mag=13.5-14) in the near infrared. 

Successful candidates will also be encouraged to develop independent projects in collaboration with members of the Geneva University Exoplanet group.

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. Our exoplanet team is renowned for its strong involvement in exoplanet detection, the determination of the planet physical properties, the characterization of exoplanetary atmospheres, and the development of world-class instrumentation. We are also co-leading the Swiss-wide National  Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) PlanetS (www.nccr-planets.ch), dedicated to the study of the origin, evolution, and characterization of planets inside and outside our Solar System, providing the applicants with opportunities to develop collaborations with members of the large PlanetS community.

Applicants are expected to have a strong experience in high contrast imaging of exoplanets and/or brown dwarfs as well as an excellent knowledge of data reduction and image processing. The duration of the postdoc contract is 2 years, with possible extension to a third year depending on available funds. The positions are funded by Swiss National Science Foundation with a gross salary around 80,000 CHF and are open for immediate start.

Interested candidates can contact and send their application to Dr. Damien Ségransan (damien.segransan(at)unige.ch). The application should contain *in a singe pdf file*:

• a curriculum vitae;
• a publication list;
• a one page (max) motivation letter;
• a short research statement describing past achievements and future projects.

Applicants should arrange for up to two letters of recommendation to be sent to the same address. The deadline is October 31st, 2019 but applications will accepted until the positions are filled.