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ETH Zurich

Postdoctoral Researcher in Exoplanet Atmosphere Characterisation and Search for Life ETH Zurich in Switzerland

Degree Level

Postdoc

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Two-year postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding. Competitive salary and benefits according to ETH regulations, with support for conference travel, computing and career development.

Deadline

Nov 15, 2026

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Country

Switzerland

University

ETH Zurich

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Keywords

Computer Science
Biology
Artificial Intelligence
Astronomy
Earth Science
Astrobiology
Physics
ML

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About this position

ETH Zurich is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher in Exoplanet Atmosphere Characterisation and the Search for Life within the Exoplanets and Habitability Group led by Prof. Sascha P. Quanz. The position is embedded in NCCR Genesis and closely connected to the ETH-led LIFE space mission, a mid-infrared nulling interferometer concept aimed at directly detecting and characterising temperate terrestrial exoplanets around nearby stars.

The research focus is on the atmospheric characterisation of temperate terrestrial exoplanets, habitability, biosignatures, and the interpretation of possible signs of life. The successful candidate will work on atmospheric retrievals and/or complementary modelling and inference approaches, potentially including machine learning and AI. The project encourages exploration beyond modern Earth analogues, including non-Earth-like biospheres, non-standard biosignatures, and abiotic alternatives.

The postdoc will collaborate closely with the LIFE Science Team and Instrument Science Team, translating atmospheric-characterisation results into science requirements and instrument-performance requirements for LIFE. The role also includes contributing new scientific ideas to the LIFE science case and mentoring PhD and undergraduate students.

Eligibility highlights: a completed PhD in astrophysics, planetary science, atmospheric science, physics, or a closely related field by the start date; experience with atmospheric retrievals and exoplanet atmospheric modelling; strong scientific programming skills; and a solid understanding of exoplanet habitability and biosignatures. Experience with radiative-transfer, photochemical, climate, or general-circulation models is welcome, as is ML/AI experience.

Funding and conditions: this is a two-year postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding. ETH Zurich offers a competitive salary and benefits according to ETH regulations, plus support for conference travel, computing, and career development.

Application: submit a single PDF containing a CV with publication list, a statement of research interests (max. 2 pages) including your own ideas for the project, and the names and contact details of three referees. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the online portal.

Deadline: 2026-11-15.

Funding details

Two-year postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding. Competitive salary and benefits according to ETH regulations, with support for conference travel, computing and career development.

What's required

PhD in astrophysics, planetary science, atmospheric science, physics or a closely related field completed by the start date; experience with atmospheric retrievals and a strong background in exoplanet atmospheric modelling and characterisation; good understanding of exoplanet habitability, biosignatures and the search for life; strong scientific programming skills; experience with radiative-transfer, photochemical, climate or general-circulation models is welcome; machine-learning or AI experience is welcome but not required; ability and interest to work across disciplinary boundaries; willingness to mentor PhD and undergraduate students; scientific independence, curiosity and a collaborative approach.

How to apply

Prepare a single PDF containing a CV with publication list, a statement of research interests (max. 2 pages) including your own project ideas, and the names and contact details of three referees. Submit the application exclusively through the online application portal; do not apply by email or post.

More information can be found here

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