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Postdoctoral Position in Astronomical Instrumentation, Spectrographs and Space Weather at the University of Bern University of Bern in Switzerland
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Astronomy
Funding
The position is 80–100% and fixed-term. Postdoctoral appointments are initially budgeted for two years with annual contracts and possible extension; senior research assistant positions are renewed annually subject to satisfactory performance. Salary is based on University of Bern regulations and experience, starting at CHF 91,000 for an early postdoc, CHF 103,000 for an advanced postdoc, and CHF 121,000 for a senior research assistant per year.
Deadline
Nov 29, 2026
Country
Switzerland
University
University of Bern
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About this position
The University of Bern’s Astronomical Institute invites applications for a Postdoc or Senior Research Assistant in astronomical instrumentation within its Space Weather group in Bern, Switzerland.
The successful candidate will contribute to an ERC-funded project developing a unique instrument to measure the full visible spectrum of solar and stellar flares. A stellar prototype is installed at the University’s observatory in Zimmerwald, while the solar instrument is in the design phase and planned as a guest instrument. Responsibilities include instrument design, technical reviews, commissioning, documentation, and management of the optics laboratory. The researcher may also participate in adaptive optics and broader scientific projects combining instrumentation, machine learning, observations, and models.
Candidates should hold a PhD in physics, astronomy, or a related discipline and have experience with astronomical instrumentation, particularly optics, optical design, spectrographs, spectropolarimetry, or integral field imaging. Python programming, knowledge of solar or stellar observations, project management, and PDR/CDR reviews are relevant. Code V or Zemax experience is advantageous, and collaborative teamwork is expected.
The appointment is 80–100% and begins after March 1, 2027, by mutual agreement. Postdoctoral contracts are initially budgeted for two years with possible extension. Starting annual salaries are approximately CHF 91,000 for an early postdoc, CHF 103,000 for an advanced postdoc, and CHF 121,000 for a senior research assistant, depending on experience and University of Bern regulations. Applications, submitted as one PDF by November 29, 2026, should include a CV, publication list, motivation letter, two-page research statement, and three references.
Funding details
The position is 80–100% and fixed-term. Postdoctoral appointments are initially budgeted for two years with annual contracts and possible extension; senior research assistant positions are renewed annually subject to satisfactory performance. Salary is based on University of Bern regulations and experience, starting at CHF 91,000 for an early postdoc, CHF 103,000 for an advanced postdoc, and CHF 121,000 for a senior research assistant per year.
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD in physics, astronomy, or a similar discipline. Experience with astronomical instrumentation is required, preferably including spectropolarimetry, optical design, or integral field imaging. Applicants should have Python programming experience; additional programming languages are an asset. Knowledge of Code V or Zemax is beneficial. Knowledge of ground- and space-based solar or stellar observations, experience with project management and PDR/CDR reviews, and the ability to work collaboratively with group members and students are expected. Senior candidates may be asked to manage the instrumentation group and related projects.
How to apply
Submit one PDF by email to Prof. Dr. Lucia Kleint at [email protected] by November 29, 2026. Include a CV, publication list, motivation letter addressing the requirements, a maximum two-page research statement, and the names of three references.
Make your next move.
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.