Two Lecturer / Assistant Lecturer Tenure Track Positions

The Division of Space Research and Planetary Sciences within the Physics Institute of the University of Bern has two openings, as per 1.1.2024, for a Lecturer / Assistant Lecturer Tenure Track in planetary atmosphere modelling (100%) and a Lecturer / Assistant Lecturer Tenure Track in planetary sciences (100%).

The division is one of the leading research groups in Europe in the fields of theoretical and experimental planetology and is looking for two candidates at the level of lecturer or assistant lecturer tenure track (according to qualifications) in

a) planetary atmosphere and radiation transport modelling, with particular interests in expertise in theoretical models of planetary atmospheric structures, the computation of relevant spectroscopic observables, and the comparison of models with observations.

b) in any field of planetary sciences broadly defined, including fields like the study of properties of planets and minor bodies in the solar system, planetary evolution (in particular of low-mass planets), habitability, planetary system dynamics, comparative (exo)planetology, observations and physico-chemical models of planet-forming disks, planetary astronomy, theoretical modelling of physical processes shaping planetary bodies throughout the solar system, etc. Applicants using theoretical, experimental, and observational approaches for both solar system and exoplanets are welcome. 

The successful candidates are expected to develop a strong research program integrating into the existing research activities both at the University and within the Swiss and international landscapes. The successful candidate will be part of a vibrant division and institute interacting in research, education, and outreach. The division offers excellent conditions in terms of computational, laboratory, and engineering infrastructure, and is involved in numerous ground- and space-based instruments and missions like CHEOPS, BepiColombo, JUICE, PLATO, Europa Clipper, Comet Interceptor, NIRPS, and ANDES. 

We expect a strong academic record including successful acquisition of third-party funds, a strong international network, as well as excellent social skills. The person will teach at BSc. and MSc. level, including lecturing basic physics courses in German for which non-German speakers will be given the necessary time to become competent in the language. 

Candidates are expected to hold a PhD in Physics or a related field. The University of Bern aims to increase the proportion of women in academic positions and therefore strongly encourages female scientists to apply. Applications proposing job sharing will also be considered. 

A potential subsequent promotion to associate professor is subject to fulfillment of qualification criteria. In case of an appointment as an assistant lecturer tenure track, the position is initially limited to three years and can be converted into a permanent position if the qualification criteria are met. Remuneration is in accordance with the personnel regulations of the Canton of Bern. 

Applications should include 
-Letter of motivation 
-Curriculum vitae 
-List of publications 
-List of courses taught 
-List of third-party funds raised 
-Information on further academic activities 
-Research plan for the first 5 years 

The application documents must be submitted by 15.8.2023 electronically in a single PDF file (<10 MB) to [email protected] together with the completed online questionnaire: Questionnaire (PDF, 42KB). 
The contact person for additional information is Prof. Christoph Mordasini, Director of the Division of Space Research and Planetary Sciences ([email protected]).