Postdoctoral research position in gravitational microlensing (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

You will work at the Institut d'astrophysique de Paris (IAP), within the Exoplanets team, under the supervision of J.-P. Beaulieu and C. Ranc, and in close collaboration with S. Charnoz (Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, IPGP). The position is part of the NYX project, co-funded by the DIM Origines Île-de-France and the ANR project SPACE-MLENS. NYX aims to carry out the first systematic search for exomoons around cold planets located between 10 and 1,000 astronomical units from their host star. To this end, you will detect, analyse and model gravitational microlensing events from both ground- and space-based observations.

Activity

Your activities will include, for example:

- Preparing and using software for the detection and modeling of gravitational microlensing events.
- Carrying out a systematic search for relevant microlensing events.
- Analysing high angular resolution images, including those obtained with the ESA/Euclid satellite.
- Computing detection efficiencies and survey sensitivity.
- Writing one or more papers, and regularly presenting your work at meetings and international conferences.

In addition, the successful candidate is expected to take part in the life of the Exoplanets team and of the lab (for example, attending seminars, organizing journal clubs, etc.).

Your Profil

Skills

- Knowledge: astrophysics, gravitational microlensing (in particular single- and binary-lens modeling), exoplanets, statistics and Bayesian inference. Familiarity with the NASA/Roman mission and its exoplanet programme would be an asset.
- Technical skills: modeling microlensing light curves; analysis of high angular resolution images in crowded fields; programming (Python in particular) and cluster computing. Experience analyzing Euclid, HST or adaptive optics (Keck) data would be appreciated.
- Scientific communication (writing papers, giving oral presentations).
- Social skills: autonomy, rigor, initiative, scientific integrity, ability to work in a team and within international collaborations.
- Languages: professional written and spoken English required; French not required.
- Experience: PhD in astrophysics or a related field at the time of recruitment, with more than 3 years of postdoctoral experience.
- How to apply: please provide a CV, a publication list, a research proposal of about 3 pages, and a cover letter (1 page maximum). In your CV, list 3 persons who may be contacted (by email or phone) by the selection committee if your are in the short for an interview. All documents must be received at the latest on October 20, 2026, 23h59 Paris time.

Your Work Environment

Located in the heart of Paris, the Institut d'astrophysique de Paris (IAP) is one of the leading research laboratories in astrophysics and cosmology. It brings together more than 60 permanent researchers and has around 150 members in total. The Exoplanet research group, to which J.-P. Beaulieu and C. Ranc belong, includes about fifteen researchers specializing in the detection and characterization of exoplanets using various techniques (transits, radial velocities, microlensing) and large surveys, both from the ground (OHP, MOA, PLANET) and from space (HST, JWST, Euclid, Roman). The IAP is also involved in the preparation and scientific exploitation of the upcoming ESA missions PLATO and Ariel, the latter with co-PI status.

The IAP's research themes cover a broad range of the major questions of modern cosmology and exoplanetology, from galaxy formation to gravitational-wave astrophysics, as well as models of the early Universe, the detection of planets both close to and very far from their host star, the characterization of exocomets, and the statistical study of exoplanet populations.

You will have access to high-performance computing resources, such as the Horizon/Infinity computing cluster (~5,600 CPU cores, ~13 V100/H100 GPUs) and Candide. Funding is available for travel, visitors and computing, in accordance with the rules of projects funded by the DIM Origines.

The CNRS has been awarded the European "HR Excellence in Research" label. We are committed to equal opportunities and diversity, and we encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds. All applications will be considered without regard to gender, origin, disability or age.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between approximately 2,800 € and 4,756.76 € gross per month, depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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