Postdoctoral Researcher in Exoplanet Atmosphere Characterisation and the Search for Life

Develop and pursue research on the characterisation of temperate terrestrial exoplanet atmospheres and the search for signs of life in the context of the LIFE mission Investigate atmospheric scenarios beyond modern Earth analogues; this may include non-Earth-like biospheres, non-standard biosignatures and/or relevant abiotic alternatives Use and further develop atmospheric retrieval and/or complementary modelling and inference approaches, potentially including ML/AI methods In close collaboration with the LIFE Science Team and LIFE Instrument Science Team, translate atmospheric-characterisation results into science requirements and related instrument-performance requirements for LIFE Contribute new scientific ideas to the development of the LIFE science case and interact with the broader LIFE collaboration Work closely with and provide scientific mentoring to PhD and undergraduate students pursuing related projects

The position is within the Exoplanets and Habitability Group led by Prof. Sascha P. Quanz at ETH Zurich. The two-year position is embedded in the NCCR Genesis, the National Centre of Competence in Research on the emergence of life in the Universe, and closely connected to the ETH-led LIFE space mission. LIFE is a space-based mid-infrared nulling interferometer to directly detect and spectroscopically characterise dozens of temperate terrestrial exoplanets around nearby stars. The successful candidate will join the LIFE Science Team and work closely with researchers and students at ETH Zurich and across the wider LIFE collaboration.

A collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment within the Exoplanets and Habitability Group and the LIFE Space Mission team at ETH Zurich, with close links to the international LIFE collaboration. An active community within the NCCR Genesis, spanning astrophysics, planetary science, geochemistry, chemistry and biology.

• PhD in astrophysics, planetary science, atmospheric science, physics or a closely related field, completed by the start date

• Experience with atmospheric retrievals and a strong background in exoplanet atmospheric modelling and characterisation

• Good understanding of the major scientific questions surrounding exoplanet habitability, biosignatures and the search for life

• Strong scientific programming skills; experience with radiative-transfer, photochemical, climate or general-circulation models is welcome

• Experience with machine-learning or AI approaches for atmospheric inference is welcome but not required

• Ability and interest to work across disciplinary boundaries and interact with the broader exoplanet, atmospheric-science and astrobiology communities

• Willingness to work closely with PhD and undergraduate students and provide scientific mentoring and guidance on their research projects

• Scientific independence, curiosity and a collaborative approach to research