CSH Fellows in the Science of Habitability (3 positions)

The Center for Space and Habitability (CSH) at the University of Bern, Switzerland, invites applications for multiple CSH Fellows.  CSH Fellows are expected to be independent postdoctoral researchers, who will propose their own 3-year research programs based on addressing one or more scientific questions that are broadly consistent with the interests of the CSH.  We are particularly interested in applicants with either an existing interdisciplinary expertise (e.g. astrobiology, biology, chemistry, geology) or a desire to branch out into fields other than conventional astronomy and astrophysics.  Exoplanetary and planetary science remains a strong focal point of the CSH.  The candidate should consult the CSH website for more details on our research interests and activities.  In addition to research, we expect each CSH Fellow to take on leadership roles in the intellectual life of the CSH, including leading coffee/lunch discussions, journal clubs, inviting and hosting seminar/colloquium speakers, etc.

Each prospective candidate will submit a research proposal with a maximum length of 5 pages.  The candidate will use a maximum of 3 pages to explain her/his existing expertise and projects performed either during the Ph.D or the last postdoctoral position.  The rest of the proposal should describe the proposed research to be pursued at the CSH, including the key scientific questions asked and the anticipated impact.  Each candidate should name two hosts that he/she may interact with on a semi-regular basis (consult website for names of professors).  Note that these hosts are not formal postdoctoral advisors, but rather potential senior collaborators, as we expect the CSH Fellows to be intellectually independent.  Current CSH faculty include Kevin Heng (exoplanetary atmospheres) and Brice-Olivier Demory (exoplanet astronomy).  Current CSH Fellows include Maria Drozdovskaya (astrochemistry), Daniel Angerhausen (exoplanet astronomy) and Susanne Wampfler (astrochemistry).  The CSH also has affiliated faculty with expertise in planetary science and space instrumentation, planet formation, atmospheric/climate science, geology, chemistry and philosophy.  The CSH is heavily involved in the development of the CHEOPS mission of ESA (PI: Willy Benz).

Each CSH Fellowship is held for 2+1 years at the University of Bern and comes with a 5000 CHF annual research budget.  The annual salary is between 85,000 and 95,000 CHF, depending on experience (years after Ph.D) and is set by the rules of the University and Canton of Bern.  Child allowance and maternity/paternity leave are offered.  Additional application materials include a 2-page CV, a list of publications (no page limit) and a cover letter (1 page) listing the names of 3 referees/references.  The entire application should be submitted as part of a SINGLE PDF FILE.  Applications that do not adhere to these specifications will be disregarded.  The 3 letters of recommendation should be sent directly to Kevin Heng by the referees themselves.  Application deadline: 30th Nov 2016.