PhD and Postdoc Positions in Asteroid Science, Space Geodesy, and Numerical Modeling at the University of Bern (ESA RAMSES) University of Bern in Switzerland

Open PhD and postdoctoral opportunities are available at the University of Bern in the context of the ESA RAMSES mission and the near-Earth asteroid Apophis. The positions are centered on asteroid science, planetary science, astronomy, space geodesy, and numerical modeling, with strong links to planetary defense and mission data analysis.

PhD position 1: Numerical modeling of asteroid evolution
This project focuses on collisional evolution, crater formation, regolith processes, and tidal deformation of Apophis. The successful candidate will develop and apply simulation tools and integrate observational constraints from RAMSES mission data. A Master's degree in (astro-)physics, astronomy, planetary science, or a related field is required, along with strong computational and numerical modeling skills. Experience with SPH/N-body simulations, granular physics, geophysical modeling, and programming in Python, Julia, or C/C++ is advantageous.

PhD position 2: Space geodesy for asteroids
This role is based at the Astronomical Institute and focuses on the gravity field, rotation state, and interior structure of Apophis. The candidate will work with radiometric tracking, laser ranging, optical camera data, and Bernese GNSS Software adapted for deep-space probes. A completed Master's thesis in astronomy, geodesy, physics, or a related topic is expected. Experience with orbit and gravity field determination is an advantage; coding in Fortran90, C++, or Perl is beneficial but not required.

Postdoctoral position
The postdoc will help develop a numerical Apophis Reference Model (ARM) that combines shape, rotation, surface properties, interior mass distribution, and surface features into a common framework for the project. The work includes mapping observational and simulation data, constraining surface/subsurface properties, and studying changes caused by Apophis’s close Earth encounter. Applicants should hold a PhD in (astro-)physics, astronomy, planetary science, geology, or a related field, and have strong scientific programming skills. Additional experience in small-body geophysics, spectro-photometry, gravity field determination, impact modelling, GIS, or SPICE is welcome.

Funding and conditions
All positions are fully funded at the University of Bern. The PhD salary follows University of Bern guidelines; the postdoc is funded for 2 years with a possible 1-year extension. The postdoc salary is listed as 91,215 CHF gross per year (2025), and the PhD salary is listed as 50,042 CHF gross per year (2026), both including the 13th month salary. The roles offer access to state-of-the-art computational resources, a collaborative international environment, and participation in a high-impact ESA mission.

Application deadline
Complete applications for the PhD and postdoc roles are due by 2026-06-30 for full consideration.

How to apply
Submit a motivation letter, CV, degree details/transcripts, and the names and email addresses of two referees. Apply by email to the named contact person for the specific role: PD Dr. Martin Jutzi for the numerical modeling PhD, Dr. Daniel Arnold for the space geodesy PhD, and Tina Rothenbühler for the postdoc.