PhD Position in Search for Earth-Sized Planets Transiting Nearby Ultra-Cool Dwarf Stars (DUET Project)

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

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 candidate 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)

Workplace

We offer

• Fully funded position with competitive salary according to ETH standards
• Interdisciplinary and international research environment
• You can expect numerous benefits

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

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 .

Curious? So are we.

Applicants should submit the following documents as a single PDF file until the 15th of April 2026:

• A cover letter describing motivation and relevant experience
• A curriculum vitae
• Academic transcripts (bachelor’s and master’s degrees)
• A brief statement of research interests (max. 1 page)
• Contact details of two referees

Further information can be found on our group website and the website of the ETH Physics Department and the Institute for Particle Physics and Astrophysics . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Peter Pedersen, email: ppedersen @phys.ethz.ch .

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Applications from all qualified candidates are strongly encouraged.

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