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Call for Applications for the Selection Process to Fill a Junior Postdoc specialist position in orbital dynamics of multibody systems
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 purpose of this call is the selection process of a candidate to fill a Postdoc position assigned to the Research Area of the Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC).
The research project in which the selected candidate will be integrated is focused on the development and application of advanced analytical and numerical techniques for mission analysis and the acquisition of low-cost trajectories in non-autonomous models, specifically with applications to the Earth-Moon-Sun dynamic environment. The research approach combines classical and dynamical systems tools with new methodologies to obtain heteroclinic connections between libration orbits of the Earth-Sun and Earth-Moon environments. These connections describe the associated fundamental dynamics, optimize transfer costs, and facilitate mission analysis.
Description of position
- Positions to be filled: 1. Call for Applications for the Selection Process to Fill a Junior Postdoc specialist position in orbital dynamics of multibody systems.
- Professional group: Group III
- Professional category: Junior Postdoc
- Working hours: Full time, 37.5 h/week.
- Workplace location: UPC South Campus. Diagonal 647. 08028 Barcelona.
Functions
The selected candidate will have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Research and analysis of transport dynamics: Carry out the theoretical research and numerical analysis necessary to complete the description of the transport dynamics associated with families of libration point orbits in the Earth-Sun and Earth-Moon systems. To this end, the successful candidate must be capable of quickly integrating into the current context of the project to obtain relevant quantitative results on the optimization of low-cost transfers between the aforementioned libration environments.
- Software development and structuring: Collect, prepare, and document the software resulting from the project, ensuring it is perfectly structured, optimized, and ready to be reused and exploited in future missions or other research projects at the institute.
- Scientific dissemination and production: Write and publish the research results in high-impact international scientific journals, as well as prepare presentations for the active dissemination of these advances in top-tier specialized forums and conferences.
Participation requirements and selection criteria
The following criteria will be assessed during the selection process:
- Training: Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics, obtained within the last three years, or be a PhD student in the final stage of their doctoral studies, with the thesis defense expected before the contract start date.
The following aspects will be considered desirable merits (maximum 20 points):
- Knowledge of models associated with multi-body dynamics and standard techniques for computing invariant manifolds of equilibrium points, periodic orbits, and quasi-periodic orbits. (5 points)
- Experience in the construction and use of algebraic manipulators focused on manifold parameterization methods and normal forms of Hamiltonian systems. (5 points)
- Advanced level of programming in C++. (5 points)
- Proven prior experience in scientific publications and other related academic merits. (5 points)
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.
The evaluation committee for this procedure will consist of:
a) Principal Investigator of the project.
b) Head of Human Resources of the IEEC or person to whom he delegates.
c) Human Resources Technician of the IEEC or person to whom he delegates.
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 compliance with the provisions of Article 59 of the TREBEP, concerning the reservation of no less than 7% of vacancies in public employment offers for persons with disabilities, the IEEC will apply this reservation to candidates who certify a disability of 33% or higher, provided that they are suitable for carrying out the functions of the position to be filled.
Contact and deadline
Interested persons who meet the established requirements can send cover letter and the personal curriculum in PDF format, signed as certification, with a brief description of the tasks carried out in the positions previously occupied, to the email address: RecursosHumans@ieec.cat indicating the reference "Surnames and Name – OF_IEEC_253_2026" in the subject line of the email.
The reception of applications ends on