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PhD Scholarship in Exoplanet Science: Discovery and Characterization of Small Planets Technical University of Denmark in Denmark
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Statistical Analysis
Funding
This is a three-year PhD scholarship and employment appointment at DTU. Salary and appointment terms follow the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and DTU's salary structure for scientific staff. The starting date is flexible, ideally in Q3-Q4 2027.
Deadline
Jan 22, 2027
Country
Denmark
University
Technical University of Denmark
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About this position
The Exoplanet Group at DTU Space, Technical University of Denmark, is seeking a PhD researcher to investigate the discovery and characterization of small planets, including rocky worlds, super-Earths, and sub-Neptunes. The group combines astronomical observations, data analysis, physical modeling, and instrument development to study planetary properties, diversity, atmospheres, and evolution.
One major research direction is the atmospheric characterization of small exoplanets. The student may work with transmission or emission spectroscopy, atmospheric retrievals and modeling, James Webb Space Telescope data, and the effects of stellar contamination. The group has led JWST observing programs and participates in international collaborations, including ESA's Ariel Mission.
A second active direction is extreme-precision radial velocity research. Projects may involve detecting and measuring low-mass planets, analyzing radial-velocity data, mitigating stellar activity, developing spectroscopic pipelines, or contributing to the Second Earth Spectrograph. The 2ES is being developed for the MPG/ESO 2.2-m Telescope at La Silla, Chile, to search for temperate Earth-mass planets around bright southern solar-type stars.
The successful researcher will develop original, independent work shaped by their scientific interests and expertise, while complementing the group's programs in observational, theoretical, and computational exoplanet science. The student will join Professor Lars A. Buchhave, Assistant Professor Alexander Rathcke, and a growing, internationally connected Exoplanet Group in the greater Copenhagen area.
DTU Space provides access to data from world-class observatories, precision radial-velocity spectrographs, and ESO facilities, within a cooperative research environment that encourages collaboration, scientific exchange, and independent development.
Funding details
This is a three-year PhD scholarship and employment appointment at DTU. Salary and appointment terms follow the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and DTU's salary structure for scientific staff. The starting date is flexible, ideally in Q3-Q4 2027.
What's required
Applicants must have a two-year master's degree worth 120 ECTS credits, or an equivalent qualification at the academic level of a two-year master's degree. A master's degree may be completed after applying, but it must be awarded before the start date. Previous experience in exoplanet atmospheres, transmission or emission spectroscopy, atmospheric retrievals, JWST data analysis, stellar contamination, precision radial velocities, stellar activity mitigation, spectroscopic pipeline development, or instrumentation is encouraged. The group values scientific initiative, strong analytical skills, flexibility, self-motivation, independence, and collaborative ability. Applicants should explain how their interests and expertise complement the group's scientific activities.
How to apply
Submit the complete online application through the Apply now portal by 22 January 2027 at 23:59 Danish time. Attach one PDF in English containing a cover letter, CV, transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma with grading-scale description, and a research statement of up to three pages. Shortlisted candidates will later provide 2–3 reference letters.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.