About the Project

Direct imaging of exoplanets is one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving fields in modern astronomy. By capturing light directly from exoplanets, astronomers can already study the atmospheres of gas giants, with the ultimate goal of detecting Earth-like planets, measuring atmospheric composition, and searching for biosignatures.

However, exoplanets are extremely faint compared to their host stars. To overcome this challenge, coronagraphs are used to suppress starlight and reveal planetary signals.

Next-generation telescopes—including the European Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) and NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory—will rely on advanced coronagraphy to image Earth-like planets in habitable zones.

This PhD is part of the ECHOES project (ERC-funded, PI: Johan Mazoyer), aiming to develop groundbreaking coronagraphic techniques for future space and ground-based missions.

Funding: Fully funded PhD within the ECHOES ERC project.

Objectives of the PhD

The main objective is to combine:

Coronagraphs
Actively controllable optics (deformable mirrors)
Integral Field Spectroscopy (IFS)

to create actively suppressed starlight regions that reveal hidden exoplanets.

Specific Goals

Develop a novel real-time starlight suppression algorithm across multiple wavelengths.
Validate the algorithm through:
- Simulation
- Laboratory testing on the THD2 optical testbed
- On-sky observations using Very Large Telescope instruments such as SPHERE instrument.

Methods

The PhD will combine simulation, optical engineering, and experimentation:

1. Image Processing & Algorithms

Use coronagraphic simulation tools in Python.
Develop innovative control algorithms for starlight suppression.

2. Optical Engineering

Collaborate with engineers to integrate an IFS prototype on the THD2 testbed.

3. Experimental Physics

Validate algorithm performance under realistic laboratory conditions.

4. On-Sky Observations

Participate in observing runs at the Very Large Telescope in Chile.

Outputs

Results will be published in journals such as:

Astronomy & Astrophysics
Optics Express
Journal of Astronomical Telescopes, Instruments, and Systems

and presented at conferences like:

SPIE
AO4ELT

Candidate Profile

Applicants should have:

Master’s degree in:
- Physics / Astrophysics
- Optics
- Computer Science
Interest in instrumentation, experimental work, or signal processing
Strong programming skills in Python
Fluent English (written and spoken)

Note: Applicants without prior astrophysics experience are welcome.

Why Join Us?

You will join a leading exoplanet imaging group at Paris Observatory, involved in major projects including:

James Webb Space Telescope coronagraph instruments
Roman Space Telescope Coronagraph Instrument
MICADO

The project collaborates with institutions such as:

European Southern Observatory
NASA
ONERA

This interdisciplinary PhD bridges optics, astrophysics, and engineering, offering strong career prospects in academia, space agencies, and high-tech industries.

Benefits

Salary: ~€2,135 gross/month for 3 years
Optional teaching assistant work (up to 64 hrs/year with extra pay)
Full social security coverage
75% public transportation reimbursement

PhD Position: Combining Integral Field Spectroscopy and Coronagraphy