Astrophysics Research Group, Trinity College Dublin
Organisation/Company: Astrophysics Research Group, Trinity College Dublin
Department: School of Physics
Research Field: Astronomy » Astrophysics
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions: PhD Positions
Country: Ireland
Application Deadline: 6 Jan 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Dublin)
Type of Contract: Not Applicable
Job Status: Full-time
Offer Starting Date: 1 Sep 2025
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
We invite applications for a 4-year PhD position in the area of Exoplanetary Systems at Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Ireland. The successful candidate will join Prof. Luca Matrà’s research group, funded by the E-BEANS (Exoplanets and Belts of Exocomets around Nearby Stars) ERC Starting Grant, with the overarching goal of understanding the potential for young Earth analogues to be provided with volatile molecules in the latest stages of formation.
The candidate will work towards the goals of the ERC project, in the broad areas of exocometary belts and/or detection of exoplanets in these systems and/or volatile delivery mechanisms. Projects typically complement a modelling component with exploiting high-resolution observations of exoplanetary systems. The group is leading or involved in large collaborations including the REASONS survey, the ARKS ALMA Large program, and benefits from multiwavelength expertise with HST, VLT/CRIRES+, and JWST data.
Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must, by the start date, have achieved a 1st or upper 2nd class (I or II.I, or equivalent) in a Masters or 4-year undergraduate degree in Astrophysics or a related field. Previous research experience is required.
The successful candidate will become part of the ERC group and the broader Trinity Astrophysics Group, a friendly and vibrant environment where world-leading research on exoplanet systems/atmospheres, supernovae, pulsars, and light pollution takes place. Trinity is located in the heart of Dublin, with a number of other astrophysics institutes and an active community in Star and Planet Formation + Exoplanets. Trinity has access to ESO and ESA observatories such as ALMA, JWST, HST, the VLT, and soon the ELT, as well as both EU and Irish research career development opportunities.
The full-time PhD studentship is open to EU/EEA/UK-based applicants (due to differing tuition fees). The position is fully funded for 4 years (as standard in Irish Universities), covering tuition fees and a tax-free stipend of €25,000/year, as well as a laptop/computer and work-related travel costs. The nominal start date is September 1st, 2025, though this can be negotiated. The group has access to dedicated computing servers and high-performance facilities through Trinity’s Research IT infrastructure and the Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC).
Application Process: Applicants should submit a CV (max 2-pages), including the names of two referees who will be contacted if shortlisted, and a research statement (max 1-page) outlining their research/academic experience and motivation for pursuing a PhD in Astrophysics. Complete applications received by the application deadline of January 6th, 2025 will receive full consideration. Applications from traditionally under-represented minorities in physics and astronomy are particularly welcome.
Applications, as well as any queries, can be submitted via email to astrojobs@tcd.ie – please include Exoplanetary Systems PhD application in the subject heading.
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