SPECULOOS (Search for habitable Planets EClipsing ULtra-cOOl Stars) is an international, ground-based exoplanet survey that uses a network of small, fully robotic telescopes to detect Earth-sized planets transiting nearby ultra-cool dwarf stars. The small radii of these stars provide exceptional opportunities for the detection and detailed characterisation of rocky exoplanets.
Project background The southern SPECULOOS observatory (SSO) at Paranal is being equipped with a new dual-band imaging system, DUET, designed to enable simultaneous visible and near-infrared observations of the same target. This capability will allow small planetary transit signals to be detected even when they are otherwise masked by stellar variability in low-mass stars and brown dwarfs. The DUET system is planned for commissioning on two SPECULOOS telescopes in 2027, with one infrared camera already operational on sky at SSO.
Job description The PhD student will play a key role in the installation, commissioning, and early scientific exploitation of the DUET system. The scientific focus of the project is to leverage simultaneous visible and infrared observations to improve the precision of transit parameters and to disentangle stellar and atmospheric variability from planetary signals. This will involve developing advanced techniques for the physically informed processing and joint analysis of time-series data.
The successful candidate will conduct observational programmes with the SPECULOOS facility and actively participate in the scientific activities and operations of the international consortium. The PhD project will provide hands-on experience with astronomical instrumentation and state-of-the-art data analysis in a world-leading research environment at ETH Zürich. The work contributes directly to the preparation and characterisation of prime targets for atmospheric studies with the James Webb Space Telescope, with the broader goal of advancing the study of potentially habitable Earth analogues around nearby low-mass stars.
Keywords
Exoplanets; Transit Photometry; Ultra-Cool Dwarfs; SPECULOOS; Astronomical Instrumentation; Visible and Near-Infrared Observations; Stellar Variability; Time-Series Analysis
Skills Development
During the PhD, the student will develop expertise in:
- Ground-based exoplanet transit surveys
- Operation, installation, and commissioning of astronomical instrumentation
- Visible and near-infrared photometry
- Joint analysis of time-series data
- Mitigation and modelling of stellar variability in ultra-cool dwarf stars
- Transit detection and parameter estimation
- Advanced data reduction and statistical analysis techniques
- Observing campaigns with robotic telescope networks
- Scientific writing, conference presentations, and international collaboration
Start Date and Duration
The PhD position (100%) is expected to start in September 2026 (or to be agreed with the successful candidate). The initial appointment is for four years, subject to satisfactory progress, in line with ETH Zürich doctoral regulations.
Profile - Master's degree in astrophysics, physics, astronomy, or a closely related field
- Strong interest in exoplanet science and observational astronomy
- Interest in or experience with astronomical instrumentation and/or data analysis
- Programming skills (e.g. Python; experience with time-series analysis is an asset)
- Ability to work independently and as part of an international collaboration
- Willingness to participate in observing campaigns and instrument commissioning
- Fluency in English (spoken and written)
We offer - Fully funded position with competitive salary according to ETH standards
- Interdisciplinary and international research environment
- You can expect numerous benefits
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