Post-Doctoral Position in Protoplanetary Disk Modeling and Dust Evolution

We are seeking a highly motivated young post-doctoral researcher to join an international team investigating the structure, composition, and evolution of protoplanetary disks around young stars.
The position focuses on modeling observations already obtained with the infrared MATISSE/VLTI interferometric instrument which benefits from outstanding angular resolution (10 mas), to constrain the radial and vertical disk structure in solid carbonaceous particles, in a context of future planet’s habitability .
The researcher will use advanced radiative transfer modeling to explore disk geometries and dust population properties within the THEMIS dust model framework.
Grids of radiative transfer models will be computed and confronted with MATISSE interferometric observables(visibilities, phases, correlated fluxes) constraining the inner disk properties, together with additional constraints on larger scales brought by other instruments, observations, and wavelengths (JWST, SPHERE, ALMA, etc …)

Model optimization will rely on both Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) minimization and AI-based inference to efficiently explore parameter space.
The ultimate goal is to derive the Carbon/Silicate abundance ratio across disk regions and compare it with Solar System gradients, providing insight into carbon depletion mechanisms and disk chemical evolution.

Applicants should hold a PhD in astrophysics, computational physics, or a related discipline. Skills in dust emission modeling, numerical modeling, Python programming, are the base of the tasks.
Experience with radiative transfer codes and machine learning techniques would be appreciated. Familiarity with interferometric data analysis or infrared astronomy would be a plus.

The successful candidate will work primarily at the department of Astrophysics at CEA in a dynamic research environment, with close collaboration and research stays at the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS, Paris-Saclay University).
English is the working language; knowledge of French is welcome but not required.
The position offers a competitive salary (2200-2550 € depending on experience) , attractive benefits (Health insurance, pension), computing resources, and travel support for conferences and collaborations.

This fellowship is funded by the French Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) grant CYPRESS (Carbon in Young PRE-planetary SystemS).

Join us to explore how dust, chemistry, and radiation shape the birthplaces of planets !