Postdoctoral Researcher in Interiors and Evolution of Sub-Neptunes ETH Zürich in Switzerland

Postdoctoral Researcher in Interiors and Evolution of Sub-Neptunes at ETH Zurich offers an opportunity to work on one of the most active and open questions in exoplanet science: how the deep interiors of sub-Neptunes interact with and shape their observable atmospheres over long timescales.

The project is hosted in the Exoplanet Interiors and Atmospheres group led by Prof. Caroline Dorn and embedded in NCCR Genesis, a Switzerland-wide, highly interdisciplinary network connecting planetary physics, geochemistry, chemistry, and biology. The role is designed for an independent researcher who wants to develop their own ideas rather than follow a narrowly prescribed project.

Recent research has challenged the traditional layered view of sub-Neptune interiors. The position focuses on questions such as miscibility and demixing of metal, silicates, and hydrogen; chemistry-driven convection; volatile exchange between magma oceans and planetary envelopes; and how these processes imprint on atmospheric observations. The successful candidate will improve atmosphere-interior evolution models tailored to sub-Neptunes, connect modeling results to spectroscopically observed atmospheres, and build frameworks for analysing populations of observed sub-Neptunes to test formation hypotheses.

The position is initially for two years and may be extended for a third year subject to NCCR Genesis procedures. ETH Zurich offers an excellent research environment, competitive salary and benefits under ETH regulations, and support for conference travel, computing, and career development. The group also has links to the PLATO mission and JWST programmes, making the post especially attractive for researchers interested in combining theory, modelling, and observations.

Eligibility and profile: applicants should hold a PhD in astrophysics, planetary science, geophysics, physics, or a closely related field by the start date. Strong Python programming skills and experience with git-based collaborative development are expected. Experience in planetary interior or structure modelling, thermal evolution, high-pressure equations of state, atmospheric modelling, magma-ocean chemistry, or statistical inference is desirable. Fortran knowledge is useful but not required. The role also values independence, curiosity, interdisciplinary thinking, and thoughtful use of AI-assisted tools in research and code development.

Application: submit a single PDF with a CV and publication list (including GPA for educational degrees), a list of publications, a 1-page statement of research interests that includes your own ideas for the project, and the names and contact details of two or three referees. Applications must be submitted through the ETH Zurich online portal. Questions about the position should be directed to Prof. Dorn at [email protected].

Application window: review begins on 15 October and continues until the position is filled. The start date is flexible, ideally May 2027.

Location: Zurich, Switzerland.