Spaceweather Group

Jobs

MSc and BSc Theses
We welcome students from the University of Bern who are interested in doing a BSc or MSc thesis with us.

Potential topics for theses can be found here: BSc, MSc. Other topics are available upon request. Please contact Prof. Kleint.

PhD theses
PhD positions can open at any time during the year, depending on the funding we receive. Currently, 1 position is open. Calls for applications for open positions are posted on this website and on various job sites (e.g. EAS, University of Bern).

Postdocs
Currently, no open Postdoc positions are available.

Candidates interested to carry out their own research projects related to space weather by applying for SNSF Postdoc Fellowships (max. 8 years after PhD), SNSF Ambizione (max. 4 years after PhD), or SNSF Starting Grants (2-8 years after PhD) are welcome to contact Prof. Kleint at least 2 months before the respective deadlines to discuss potential options.

5.10.2025 Open position: one PhD position at the University of Bern
The Space Weather group of the Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern (AIUB) is inviting applications for a PhD student to work on adaptive optics.

The University of Bern hosts many domains of astronomy, from solar physics, to exoplanets, and satellite observations. The successful candidate will work in the space weather group, which combines building astronomical instrumentation, machine learning, and researching the physics of the Sun and stars. This position is part of a SERI-funded MARVIS grant.

The Astronomical Institute operates the Zimmerwald Observatory with 5 telescopes from 20 cm to 1 m. The quality of images observed with telescopes is usually degraded by atmospheric turbulence. Special optical systems, known as adaptive optics (AO), can be used to counteract this image degradation, but so far none are in use at any telescope in Switzerland. The goal of this PhD position is to help design and develop an AO system for our 80 cm telescope at the Zimmerwald Observatory, test it in the laboratory and on site, and subsequently carry out own observations. The scientific targets range from high-resolution imaging of satellites to other astronomical objects.

More details about the position and the application procedure can be found in the linked document:

PhD position

The length of a PhD is typically 3-4 years. A generous budget for conferences and collaborations is available.

The selection of candidates will start after November 2, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. The starting date is as soon as possible, upon mutual agreement. For questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Lucia Kleint (email lucia.kleint@unibe.ch).