Job opportunities

Postdoctoral position "Understanding the impact of winds on accretion through the study of QPOs"

OF_IEEC_195_2025
Publication date
2025-05-15
Deadline
2025-06-04

 IEEC (Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya) was established in February 1996 as a private non-profit foundation (NPO) to promote space R&D in Catalonia. IEEC is a research institute that studies all areas of knowledge and technology applied to the space sector and space sciences, including astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, Earth observation, navigation, and space engineering. Its mission is to push the frontiers of space research from the scientific and technological fields for the maximum benefit of society. It should also be noted that the Foundation is attached to the Generalitat de Catalunya and is part of its institutional public sector due to the fact that the Generalitat has a majority stake in the entity.

Introduction

The purpose of this call is the selection process for a candidate to fill a position as a Scientific Researcher assigned to the Extragalactic High-Energy Astrophysics Area.

Description of position

  • Position:  Postdoctoral position "Understanding the impact of winds on accretion through the study of QPOs"
  • Professional group: Group  III Scientific personnel
  • Professional category:  Scientific researcher
  • Working hours:  37.5 h/week
  • Working location:  Institute of Space Sciences, Carrer de Can Magrans S/N, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain

Functions

The selected candidate will have the following duties and responsibilities:

The postdoctoral researcher will carry out an advanced research program focused on understanding how winds from accreting compact objects can affect their surroundings and the accretion process itself, through the study of objects showing quasi-periodic emissions, such as X-ray binaries (XRBs) and active galactic nuclei (AGNs). This work should be based on the use of phase-resolved stacked spectra and advanced timing techniques to improve data quality. The researcher will lead an independent research program while contributing to and building upon ongoing activities within the AGN and Galaxy Evolution and Neutron Stars research groups at the Institute of Space Sciences (ICE), a unit of the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC).

We are seeking a candidate capable of taking a holistic approach, integrating observational data from stellar-mass compact objects and extending the study to supermassive black holes found in AGNs. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, a background in astrophysics or a related field, and experience in X-ray time-domain data analysis. The ability to collaborate effectively within a research team and contribute to the broader scientific goals of the group is essential.

Participation requirements and selection criteria

The following criteria will be assessed during the selection process:

  • Trainning: The candidate must hold a PhD in astronomy or a related field obtained within the previous 2 years counting by the starting time of the position.
  • Experience: The candidate must have proven research experience in the field, particularly in the analysis of X-ray timing data.

The following aspects will be considered desirable merits:

The evaluation will be based on the independence and originality of the research program, as well as its alignment with the current research activities of the host group. Previous experience in the research field, demonstrated through the publication record and, preferably, a PhD in a closely related topic, will be highly valued. Strong skills in the analysis of X-ray timing data are particularly desired.

Contact and deadline

Interested candidates who meet the established requirements can submit a motivation letter and research program, along with their CV in PDF format, signed as certification, to the following email address:  RecursosHumans@ieec.cat indicating the reference “surname and name – OF_IEEC_195_2025” in the subject line of the email.

The reception of applications ends on

04/06/2025
Applications that do not meet the requirements included in the cases provided for, or those which are not processed in accordance with the established procedure will not be considered.

Selection procedure

Initially, a verification of the requirements of participation will be carried out and a first selection of candidates will be made based on the documents contributed. Next, if necessary, the shortlisted candidates may be called to a personal interview to expand the detailed information in the curriculum and assess aspects related to professional competences.

Interested persons must have the originals of the certificates accrediting the training and work experience mentioned in the curriculum and must submit them if required.

In addition to the LISMI, the IEEC will consider the reservation for candidates who prove a disability equal to or greater than 33%, as long as they follow suitability for the performance of the functions to be performed.

In accordance with current regulations on the protection of personal data, we inform you that the personal data contained in your communication relating to this selection procedure will be incorporated into the database of which the IEEC is responsible. The purpose of this treatment is to manage your participation and, where appropriate, the selection of your professional profile in the recruitment processes carried out by the IEEC. Therefore, we will use your data to carry out the contracting processes, to carry out the corresponding interviews, to assess compliance with the requirements for the processes, as well as those actions necessary for the execution of the process and to make effective the recruitment of staff at the IEEC. The basis for the legitimacy of this treatment is your consent, which may be revoked at any time (which means that you will not be able to participate in the selection process in question). The data will be retained during the selection procedure. If you provide us with the data or resume but do not participate in any open recruitment process, do not specify any or have participated in a procedure and have not been selected as a candidate, the IEEC will keep the data for a maximum period of two years., from the date of receipt of the communication, in order to manage your potential participation if any appropriate procedure is opened, eg on your profile. Once this period has elapsed, if you have not been selected and incorporated into the staff of the entity, the IEEC will permanently cancel your personal data. Your personal data will not be transferred to any third party for any purpose, except in cases where it is required by law or by a competent authority. You may exercise, in accordance with the requirements established in current regulations, the rights of access, rectification, deletion, opposition and limitation by sending your request in writing to the registered office of the IEEC (Esteve Terradas 1, RDIT Building, floor 2, Of. 212, 08860 Castelldefels) or by e-mail: protecciodedades@ieec.cat. The applicant must be duly identified in order to process the application. You also have the right to file a complaint with the Catalan Data Protection Authority by writing to C / Rosselló, 214, esc. A, 1r 1a, 08008 Barcelona or at its electronic headquarters (https://seu.apd.cat). You expressly authorize and consent to the processing of your personal data for the purposes mentioned and in accordance with the conditions indicated above.