The Laboratory for Instrumentation and Research in Astrophysics (LIRA) is pleased to invite applications for a two-year postdoctoral research position, funded by the Dim-Origines program, and hosted by the Observatoire de Paris in Meudon (France). Applicants should have completed their PhD or be able to complete it before taking up the fellowship starting beginning of 2027. The deadline for application is November 5th, 2026.
The postdoctoral fellow is centered on the first analysis of the SORBET (Spectroscopie des Ondes Radio et du Bruit Electrostatique Thermique) radio instrument, part of the PWI suite onboard the Mio (Mercury Magnetosphere Orbiter) spacecraft. It focuses on in situ plasma properties, especially on the electron measurements, to map the dynamics of the Mercury’s magnetosphere due to its vicinity to the Sun, and its interaction with the solar wind during the nominal phase of the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission. High scientific return is expected during the nominal scientific observations phase, scheduled from April 2027.
We seek highly motivated candidates with a PhD and expertise in space plasma physics, magnetospheric dynamics and data analysis (skills on radio waves instrument data will be a plus), and/or on particle analysers analysis.
The successful candidate will join a dynamic international team with active collaborations across Europe and Japan, gaining direct access to the data. At LIRA, the candidate will benefit from the expertise of the team responsible for the SORBET ground segment.
The candidate will contribute to the scientific exploitation of SORBET, in order to provide new constraints on electron transport and acceleration, solar wind – magnetosphere coupling, and the origin and dynamics of cold and suprathermal electrons at Mercury. Using cross-comparison with particle and magnetic-field observations could be undertaken where relevant.
Key information:
- Location: Observatoire de Paris, 5 Place Jules Janssen, Meudon, France
- Duration: 2 years
- Possible start Date: March 1st, 2027
- Application Deadline: November 5th, 2026
Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Karine Issautier for informal enquiries or to discuss potential research directions.
Constitution of the application file: The candidate will develop his/her project linked to the SORBET objectives to characterize and understand the plasma environment and Mercury’s magnetosphere from electric and magnetic fields, plasma density and temperature measurements. The candidate could investigated the generation, propagation and interaction of plasma waves, and studied possible radio emissions, using combined instruments on BepiColombo to support numerical simulations.
Apply on the CNRS Portail Emploi website, providing a single file in PDF format including:
- 1 Curriculum Vitae of 2 pages, including the most significant publications.
- 1 Research project (Max 1 page): Explain how your expertise aligns with the objectives of BepiColombo addressed using PWI/SORBET data.
- A summary of research activities of 2 pages maximum
- Up to three relevant publication reprints
- Contact Information for two professional references
(Transmis par Karine Issautier)