Postdoc and CHEOPS GTO Support Scientist

Applications are invited to fill the position of CHEOPS Consortium Support Scientist at the University of Geneva. This full-time position comprises 50% functional tasks and 50% scientific activity in form of a postdoctoral position in the Geneva Exoplanet group.

Functional role (50%): As Consortium Support Scientist, the candidate will report to the Mission Scientist and support them in ensuring the smooth execution of the CHEOPS Guaranteed Time Observations (GTO). The primary tasks will be to carry out regular data quality checks, verify planned observations and provide support related to observation strategy and setup to consortium members. They will participate to mission planning activities as part of the Project Science Office and support the Science Operation Center in the upkeep of the mission’s online tools and databases.

Scientific activity (50%): The successful candidate will join the team of Prof. Lendl as a postdoctoral researcher focusing on space-based photometry. Their work will centre on the discovery and confirmation of long-period transiting planets, including the confirmation of single and double-transit candidates and the characterisation of systems with long-period giant planets. As a member of the CHEOPS mission consortium, they will be deeply involved in the analysis and interpretation of CHEOPS GTO data, and also have to opportunity to propose new GTO programmes. The successful applicant will also become a member also of the PLATO consortium and develop synergies between CHEOPS and PLATO.

Skills and experience: Candidates should hold a PhD in astrophysics, astronomy or a closely related field. We seek candidates with previous experience with time-series photometry, and experience with space-based facilities will be considered an asset. The successful applicant will become part of a dynamic environment and we especially look for team players with a high level of independence, reliability and scientific creativity.

Duration: The position has an initial duration of 2 years but may be extended by 1 additional year, depending on funding availability and performance.

Start date: Is flexible with a preference for a start on 1 October 2026