ERC PhD Position in Exoplanetary Systems at Trinity College Dublin

We invite applications for a 4-year PhD position in the area of Exoplanetary Systems at Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Ireland. The successful candidate will join Prof. Luca Matrà’s ERC-funded research group.

The candidate will work towards the goals of the ERC project, for example by studying giant impacts between forming planets in the inner regions of young planetary systems, or by observing the structure of outer exocometary belts at tens of au. Each project complements a modelling component with exploiting new high resolution dust and gas observations of exoplanetary systems with ALMA. The group is leading or involved in large collaborations including the REASONS survey, the ARKS ALMA Large program, and benefits from multiwavelength expertise with HST, VLT/CRIRES+ and incoming JWST data.

By the start date, applicants must have achieved a 1st or upper 2nd class grade (or equivalent) in a Masters or 4-year undergraduate degree, in Astrophysics or related field. Previous research experience is required, with preference given to applicants with expertise in either planetary impacts, exocometary belts or more broadly in planet formation/circumstellar disks and/or mm/radio interferometry observations.

The full-time PhD studentship is nominally open to EU/EEA/UK-based applicants, though full consideration will be given to exceptional non-EU candidates. The position is fully funded for 4 years, covering tuition fees and a tax-free stipend of 25000 EUR/year, as well as a laptop/computer and work-related travel costs. The nominal start date is September 1st, 2024, but a later starting date can be negotiated. The group has access to dedicated computing servers, as well as high-performance computing facilities.

Applicants should submit a CV (max 2-pages), with details of 2 referees to be contacted if shortlisted, and a research statement (max 1-page) outlining their academic experience and motivation for pursuing a PhD in Astrophysics. Deadline for applications is February 20th, 2024. Applications from traditionally under-represented minorities in physics and astronomy are particularly welcome.

Applications, as well as any queries, can be submitted via email to [email protected] – please include Exoplanetary Systems PhD application in the subject heading. Full details available here