Permanent position in the field of stellar astrophysics in the context of the PLATO mission

The Astrophysics Department (DAp) at CEA Paris-Saclay, IRFU, invites applications for a permanent researcher position starting no later than the end of 2025. The position focuses on asteroseismology and the study of stellar evolution and dynamics, with an emphasis on the preparation and scientific exploitation of the ESA M3 PLATO mission.

The Astrophysics Department - located in Saclay at 30 kms / 40 mins from Paris downtown - offers a dynamic environment, with about 200 engineers and researchers contributing to many fields of astrophysics from cosmology and galaxies to stars and exoplanetary systems, and is also a leader in the development of several international instrumental projects as well as large numerical simulations. Specifically, the Dynamics of Stars, Exoplanets and their Environment team (LDE3) is dedicated to advancing cutting-edge research to unravel the internal and external structure, dynamics, and evolution of the Sun, stars, and planets, as well as the atmospheres of exoplanets. Additionally, they investigate gravitational, magnetic, and radiative interactions across various scales between celestial bodies and their environments, along with the orbital architectures of planetary systems. This research is driven by innovative and synergistic approaches, including theoretical predictions, nonlinear 3D high-performance computing (HPC) simulations, the development of state-of-the-art observational techniques including the application of AI methodologies, the analysis of large volumes of data, and the development of instruments for specialised space missions. (SoHO, Solar Orbiter, JWST, PLATO, and ARIEL).

The Astrophysics Department is deeply involved in the development and scientific exploitation of the upcoming ESA M3 PLATO mission, scheduled for launch in December 2026. The successful applicant is expected to take a leading role within the mission's scientific team, contributing to the development and refinement of data analysis algorithms under the responsibility of the DAp (astro-seismic measurements, surface dynamics, and comparisons with stellar modelling). The applicant is expected to conduct high-impact research in observational asteroseismology of solar-like pulsating stars, with a particular focus on stellar evolution and dynamics. This work will involve comparing new observational data with both advanced stellar structure and evolution models and theoretical stellar seismology to gain deeper insights into stellar structure and behaviour. The interpretation of observations will be enriched through synergies with other team members within LDE3. For instance, collaborative projects will be encouraged in the field of solar physics, the characterisation of exosystems, as well as beyond state-of-the-art theoretical advancements (e.g. transport processes, tidal interactions, the influence of magnetism and rotation). The applicant will be encouraged to develop and strengthen their own research line, with support to apply for national and European research grants to fund PhD students and postdocs.

The candidate should hold a PhD degree in the field of astrophysics, geophysics or data analysis. Significant experience in the analysis of astro-seismic data and observations from space missions such as Kepler/K2 and TESS is expected, with interest in developing and pushing forward the data analysis pipelines of PLATO under the DAp responsibility. Experience of using and/or improving stellar structure and evolutionary codes (e.g. CESAM, STAREVOL, MESA) is also expected, and a keen interest in the physical interpretation of observational data will be strongly appreciated.