CDD Researcher : Postdoctoral position on modeling magnetic topologies of M dwarfs at IRAP / To[...]

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 35 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A research institute in France is seeking candidates for a postdoc position focused on modeling magnetic fields of M dwarfs using SPIRou data. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in astrophysics and expertise in stellar magnetic fields and spectropolarimetry. This role involves data analysis with advanced techniques and significant contributions to ongoing research starting in Q1 2026. The position is full-time for 2-3 years, based in Toulouse.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in astrophysics required.
• Solid background in stellar magnetic fields is essential.
• Experience in velocimetry is a plus.

Responsabilités

• Modeling magnetic fields of M dwarfs using SPIRou data.
• Analysing data sets with the tomographic technique.
• Reconstructing the magnetic topology at the star's surface.

Connaissances

Stellar magnetic fields

Spectropolarimetry

Data analysis

Zeeman-Doppler imaging

Formation

Ph.D. in astrophysics

Description du poste

Contract Information

Organisation/Company: CNRS Department Institut de Recherche en Astrophysique et planétologie

Research Field(s): Environmental science; Earth science; Global change

Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country: France

Application Deadline: 22 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Hours Per Week: 35

Offer Starting Date: 15 Mar 2026

EU Funding: Not funded by an EU programme

Research Infrastructure: No

Offer Description

We invite applications for a 2-3 year postdoc position on modeling magnetic fields of M dwarfs at the Institut de Recherche en Astrophysique et Planétologie (IRAP) located in Toulouse, France, within the SPIRou science consortium coordinated by Drs JF Donati and C Moutou.

This project aims at modeling the evolving magnetic topologies of M dwarfs monitored with the SPIRou near‑infrared spectropolarimeter at the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope since 2019 in the framework of the SPIRou Large Programs. More specifically, the goal is to exploit an advanced version of Zeeman‑Doppler imaging incorporating temporal evolution to the existing and future SPIRou data collected for a few tens of M dwarfs of various masses, to infer fresh constraints on the dynamo processes operating in largely and fully convective stars. The work will take place at IRAP with Drs JF Donati and C Moutou, starting Q1 2026.

In addition to a Ph.D. in astrophysics, candidates must have a solid background in stellar magnetic fields and spectropolarimetry, to efficiently analyse data sets collected with SPIRou using the tomographic technique of Zeeman‑Doppler imaging, and to reconstruct the parent magnetic topology at the surface of the star. Experience in velocimetry is also welcome.