Research will be carried out in the framework of the newly established DFG priority program “Exploring the Diversity of Exoplanets” (www-astro.physik.tu-berlin.de/exoplanet-diversity/) for the project “Interior-atmosphere feedbacks and the nature of detected sub-Neptunian planets”. The project will be conducted at the TU Berlin, Center of Astronomy and Astrophysics in cooperation with the Institute of Planetary Research of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). It focuses on the modelling of the interior structures, interior evolution and outgassing of known sub-Neptunian extrasolar planets investigating the properties of the resulting atmospheres and the interactions between atmosphere and interior. The project is split into two sub-projects dealing with interior and atmosphere modelling.

The successful candidate will work with Dr. Nicola Tosi on the interior modelling sub-project. The main tasks include 1) development of models of the possible interior structures of sub-Neptunian planets based on their measured mass and radius, and 2) the extension of a one-dimensional thermal evolution model to simulate the thermal and outgassing history of such bodies. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with the successful candidate for the atmosphere-modelling sub-project supervised by Dr. Mareike Godolt.

Requirements: university degree (Master, Diplom or equivalent) in physics, geophysics, astronomy or related disciplines; programming experience in a high-level language (Python, FORTRAN, C, or similar); basic knowledge of continuum mechanics and heat transfer; experience in numerical modelling

Please send your written application with the reference number II-417/17 and a letter of motivation including a description of your research interests, CV, copies of university degrees and contact details for at least two letters of reference to:

Technische Universitaet Berlin – Der Praesident – Fakultaet II Zentrum fuer Astronomie und Astrophysik Dr. Nicola Tosi, Sekr. EW 8-1 Hardenbergstr. 36, 10623 Berlin or by e-mail to [email protected]

Application deadline: October 15, 2017