项目介绍

2026年5月6日

About the position

We seek qualified candidates for two 4-year PhD positions in exoplanet science in the research group of Prof. Yann Alibert (University of Bern), focusing on the internal structure, formation and architecture of planetary systems, in particular with the help of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) as developed in the AI4exoplanets group. The PhD positions will be part of TAPS (Theoretical Astrophysics and Planetary Science – Prof. Yann Alibert, Prof. Chistoph Mordasini, Dr. Martin Jutzi) at the Space Research & Planetary Sciences division of the Physics Institute of the University of Bern. Frequent interactions with the Centre for Space and Habitability (University of Bern) and Institutes part of SIPS (Swiss Institute for Planetary Sciences) are foreseen.

Your profile

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physics, astrophysics, planetary science or equivalent. Experience with data analysis, ML and AI methods is an advantage. Candidates should be enthusiastic, persistent, communicative and willing to integrate into the teams in Bern and the Swiss landscape (TAPS, CSH and SIPS). The research will consist of a combination of numerical modelling of the physics of planetary system formation and development of ML and AI methods to analyse their results.

We offer

The scientific objectives of the two PhD projects are to study, in the framework of the CHEOPS mission and the future PLATO mission (launch in early 2027), the internal structure of planets and the architecture of planetary system. The work will be based on population synthesis models of planetary system formation developed in our group, as well as generative AI based formation models. Frequent interactions with members of the TAPS group and with the above-mentioned CHEOPS and PLATO consortia are foreseen.

The formal appointment will be for 4 years at the University of Bern. There will be a standard first year of probation. The annual salary is determined by a matrix provided by the Swiss National Fund. Child allowance and maternity/paternity leave are offered.The successful candidate will participate in group meetings, journal clubs, research discussions, attend seminars and colloquia, interact with research visitors, travel to conferences, etc., both in Bern and in SIPS. The starting date is expected to be September 2026 and is negotiable.

The University of Bern is an equal opportunity employer and we particularly encourage applications from female researchers.More InformationJob-AboApplication Process

Your Benefits

Strong research infrastructure and international network

Healthy corporate culture and good working atmosphere

Inspiring work environment

University sportsOther benefits

Your Salary

Your annual gross salary for the year 2026 amounts to 50’042 Swiss francs for full-time employment, including the 13th month salary.

Working at the University of Bern

The University of Bern not only offers exciting tasks but also an environment that actively promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what makes us stand out as an employer and how you can grow with us.Learn moreCareer pageOpen positions

Application and Contact

To apply, please send a letter of motivation including a personal statement (max. 1 page), a curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages), a list of publications (if applicable), undergraduate and graduate transcripts and a covering letter (1 page). The complete application should be sent as a single pdf file to Yann Alibert (yann.alibert@unibe.ch) with title ”2 PhD positions in planetary science and machine learning”. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that 1-2 letters of recommendation are also sent directly to Yann Alibert by the deadline of 15 June 2026.

Interviews for short-listed candidates will take place online during the first half of July 2026.

Questions about the position?

Prof. Dr. Yann Alibert
yann.alibert@unibe.ch

Questions about the application?

Prof. Dr. Yann Alibert
yann.alibert@unibe.ch