Pushing exoplanets detection limits in JWST direct imaging dataPushing exoplanets detection limits in JWST direct imaging data

Context:

Within two years of operation, JWST has transformed the field of exoplanetary systems studies, providing spectacular images and spectra of known exoplanets and dusty disks in the near and mid infrared. These first results have also demonstrated the exquisite image quality and stability of the observatory resulting in significantly deeper detection limits, sensitive to a few Saturn masses. As a result, the community is now proposing more exoplanet search programs in targeted systems. As these programs move to deeper observations, the starlight contamination at the shortest angular separations becomes prominent and requires dedicated image post-processing methods. In parallel, the MAST archive has accumulated two years of data, images and sensor telemetry, that allow to monitor the instruments stability. This database offers opportunities to explore new post-processing methods to better model and discard the stellar noise. Developing such methods is particularly timely right now, as JWST is foreseen to operate for at least 10 years, and as the Roman Space Telescope (RST, launch 2027) coronagraphic instrument will deliver high-contrast data 2-3 orders of magnitude deeper, along with associated sensor telemetry. Methods developed now will have long term prospects to be applied for JWST data and to be adapted and implemented on RST data.

Job description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to join our ESCAPE research group at LAM. The successful candidate will be responsible for the development of innovative post-processing methods to improve direct imaging detection limits with JWST, with a focus on using the wavefront sensor telemetry to inform the stellar PSF subtraction. In addition to publicly available data, they will have access to the team’s programs and be encouraged to submit JWST proposals on their own related to this research. The researcher will also investigate possible adaptation of the methods to the Roman Space Telescope, in collaboration with members of the ESCAPE team.