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Researcher in Training for the Development of the StarSim code for the modelling and correction of stellar variability in exo-Earth detection
The IEEC (Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia) was established in February 1996 as a private non-profit foundation (NPO) to promote R&D in the space field in Catalonia. The IEEC is a research institute that studies all areas of knowledge and technologies 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 (Catalan Government) and forms part of its institutional public sector due to the fact that the Generalitat has a majority participation in the Board of Trustees of the IEEC.
Introduction
The object of this call is the selection process of a candidate to occupy a position of Researcher in Training assigned to the Research Area of the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia.
Description of position
- Position: 1. Researcher in Training for the Development of the StarSim code for the modelling and correction of stellar variability in exo-Earth detection.
- Professional group: Group III. Scientific Staff
- Professional category: Researcher in Training
- Woking hours: 37,5 hours/week
- Working location: Institute of Space Sciences, Carrer de Can Magrans s/n, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain.
Functions
The pre-doctoral contract is aimed at simultaneously performing, on the one hand, research tasks in a specific and innovative project, and on the other hand, the set of activities, integral to the doctoral program, leading to the acquisition of the skills and abilities necessary to obtain the official university Doctoral degree, without being required to carry out any other activity that distorts the research and training purpose of the contract.
This contract is part of the research carried out at the IEEC in the framework of the SPOTLESS ERC Advanced Grant aiming at the characterization of stellar variability to detect and characterize exo-Earths using instruments in ground- and space-based observatories.
The selected candidate will have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Developing a new architecture for StarSim based on a JIT-compiled programming paradigm, ensuring portability to modern frameworks such as Julia and JAX.
- Optimising the code performance through CPU and GPU parallelisation techniques.
- Contributing to the development and refinement of the physical model within the StarSim codebase.
- Modelling diverse stellar data, including photometry, spectrophotometry, and high-precision spectroscopy, to enhance and fine-tune the physical model.
- Designing, testing, and implementing advanced numerical methods, with a focus on machine learning algorithms, to mitigate stellar activity effects in radial velocity measurements.
- Writing and publishing scientific articles presenting research findings in peer-reviewed journals and disseminating results at national and international conferences.
Participation requirements and selection criteria
The following criteria will be assessed during the selection process:
- Training:
- Bachelor’s degree in physics, mathematics, or equivalent.
- Master's degree in astronomy or equivalent.
- Strong programming skills.
- Once the selection process has been completed, enrolment in a doctoral program at one of the universities around the IEEC will be an essential requirement to formalize the contract.
The following aspects will be considered desirable merits:
- Strong academic record in relevant fields (physics, astronomy, mathematics).
- Relevant research experience, preferably in stellar variability modelling or exoplanet detection.
- Proficiency in astrophysics, data analysis, and programming (preferably Julia and Python).
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to develop innovative computational solutions.
- Effective communication skills in English, both written and oral.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Potential for scientific dissemination through publications and conference presentations.
Contact and deadline
Interested persons who meet the requirements can send the following documents:
- Motivation letter.
- Two letters of reference.
- Academic record, both from undergraduate and master's studies.
All documents shall be sent in PDF format to the e-mail address: RecursosHumans@ieec.cat indicating the text "Surname and Name_ OF_IEEC_200_2025" in the subject line of the e-mail. Letters of reference can be sent to the same e-mail address by the referees, with the name of the person to whom it refers clearly indicated in the subject line.
The reception of applications ends on
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 skills.
Interested persons shall have the originals of the certificates demonstrating the training and work experience mentioned in the CV and shall submit them if required.
In compliance with the LISMI, the IEEC will reserve positions for candidates who can certify a disability of 33% or more, provided they are suitable for carrying out the required duties.