Monday 21 May 2012

Switzerland : PhD Project:Planetary Ozone Layer of Biotic or Abiotic Origin

The Institute of Applied Physics (IAP) and the Center for Space and Habitability (CSH) of the University of Bern in Switzerland have an open PhD student position for modelling of the ozone layer of exoplanets, Venus, and Mars. Ozone is regarded as a biomarker of habitable planets. Biotic processes on the Earth produce an oxygen-rich atmosphere with an ozone layer (still vulnerable to catalytic ozone depletion). On the other hand, a high probability exist for earth-like planets with oxygen-rich atmospheres as abiotic leftovers of dense H2O-rich protoatmospheres. You investigate questions like:
 
·       Which planets can have an ozone layer?
·       Spectral signatures of planets with ozone layer?
·       Can we distinguish between biotic and abiotic origin of an ozone layer?

The PhD thesis starts with modelling of ozone of the Martian atmosphere. Photochemistry and radiative transfer are studied with models of various complexity. The results for the ozone distribution of Mars are compared to observations. Then you generalize your findings for modelling of ozone layers of exoplanets. The IAP has an excellent reputation in atmospheric remote sensing and long-term monitoring of ozone and water vapour in the lower and middle atmosphere. We utilize chemistry-climate and weather models for study of stratospheric ozone variations. The PhD thesis is carried out at IAP (University of Bern) and is supervised by Klemens Hocke, Niklaus Kämpfer, Peter Wurz (University of Bern), and Helmut Lammer (Space Research Institute, Graz). The interdisciplinary tasks of the project require a PhD student with experience and passion for:

·      Modelling, Programming, Atmospheric Chemistry,  Radiative Transfer
·       Planets and Exoplanets
·       Understanding of Atmospheric Processes
Further you have a Master or Diploma degree in physics, atmospheric sciences or a related field. You like international co-operations and team work. If you are interested please send an application by email containing your Curriculum Vitae, statement of interest (1 page), 2-3 references or names of referees (with address), copies of your thesis and certificates.  Applications are considered until position is filled.

PD Dr. Klemens Hocke
Institute of Applied Physics
University of Bern
Sidlerstrasse 5
3012 Bern, Switzerland
            http://www.csh.unibe.c

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