• Develop and pursue research on the characterisation of temperate terrestrial exoplanet atmospheres and the search for signs of life in the context of the LIFE mission
• Investigate atmospheric scenarios beyond modern Earth analogues; this may include non-Earth-like biospheres, non-standard biosignatures and/or relevant abiotic alternatives
• Use and further develop atmospheric retrieval and/or complementary modelling and inference approaches
• Explore, where relevant, ML/AI approaches for atmospheric inference and interpretation
• Investigate the robustness and limitations of atmospheric characterisation methods and compare complementary approaches where scientifically useful
• In close collaboration with the LIFE Science Team and LIFE Instrument Science Team, translate atmospheric characterisation results into science requirements and related instrument-performance requirements for LIFE
• Contribute new scientific ideas to the development of the LIFE science case and interact with the broader LIFE collaboration 

Profile

• A collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment within the Exoplanets and Habitability Group and the LIFE Space Mission team at ETH Zurich, with close links to the international LIFE collaboration
• A fully funded four-year Doctoral Position with competitive salary and benefits according to ETH regulations, including support for conference travel, computing and career development

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• CV
• University transcripts and, if already available, diploma
• A statement of research interests (max. 2 pages), indicating which of the research directions described above you would be particularly interested in pursuing.
• Names and contact details of three referees

The application deadline is November 25, 2026. The start date is flexible, but we envision to start in spring / early summer 2027.

Further information about the group can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position and informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Prof. Sascha P. Quanz, sascha.quanz@phys.ethz.ch. Please note that applications must be submitted exclusively through our online application portal; applications sent by email or post will not be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in
science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,
cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our
university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,
yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to
develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.