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Junior researcher for the code development and scientific exploitation for exoplanet population simulations tailored to PLATO and Gaia data and predictions for the ESA mission candidate HAYDN

OF_IEEC_257_2026
Publication date
2026-07-31
Deadline
2026-08-20

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 an Advance degree position assigned to the Scientific Area of the Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC).

The Gaia team at IEEC is deeply involved in the Gaia mission from the European Space Agency (ESA) and in its scientific exploitation. The team is leading the Spanish contribution to Gaia and is composed of more than twenty scientists and engineers working at the Institute of Cosmos Science of the University of Barcelona. Due to the extended European consortia in which the team is involved (Gaia), the researcher will have opportunities for international collaborations. Women and members from minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Our team has also worked on simulating a simple but realistic exoplanet population by modelling the main known factors that influence the existence and distribution of different types of exoplanets. Starting from cutting-edge cosmological simulations of our galaxy and generating a synthetic exoplanet population, combining observational results with predictions from exoplanet formation models. Our predictions can thus provide a reference point for future exoplanet detection missions such as PLATO, HAYDN (High-precision AsteroseismologY in DeNse stellar), or the Galactic Bulge Time Domain Survey of the Roman Space Telescope.

Description of position

  • Positions to be filled: Junior researcher for the code development and scientific exploitation for exoplanet population simulations tailored to PLATO and Gaia data and predictions for the ESA
  • Professional group: group III Scientific staff
  • Professional category: Advanced degree
  • Working hours: 37,5 hours/week
  • Workplace location: Institute of Cosmos Sciences located in the Faculty of Physics of the University of Barcelona, Carrer Martí i Franquès, 1 planta 7 08028 Barcelona.

Functions

The work involved will be the development of the code of an advanced exoplanet population synthesis code and its scientific exploitation through its application to the PLATO and HAYDN mission’s field of views, enabled by the precise stellar parameters derived from Gaia mission data.

 

The selected candidate will have the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Development and documentation of the exoplanet population synthesis code
  • Development of programmes enabling the scientific analysis of the simulations
  • Scientific exploitation of the simulations, in combination with the data from the PLATO and Gaia mission archives

Participation requirements and selection criteria

The following criteria will be assessed during the selection process:

  • ­Education
  • Minimum degree in master’s in physics, Astronomy or a related field.
  • Knowledge
  • Advanced Python programming skills
  • Experience in working with Gaia data and exoplanet population simulations, Familiarity with exoplanet transit missions, especially with the PLATO input catalogue
  • Documented experience with and thorough understanding of simulation-based inference

The following aspects will be considered desirable merits (maximun 20 points):

  • Excellent academic record (2 points)
  • Master in Astrophysics (2 points)
  • Advanced Python programming skills (3 points)
  • Knowledge of statistical data analysis (2 points)
  • Experience in exoplanet population simulations and simulation-based inference (5 points)
  • Excellent knowledge of stellar and exoplanetary astrophysics (2 points)
  • Very good English language skills (2 points)
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team (2 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:

  1. a) Senior researcher of the Gaia project
  2. b) Senior researcher
  3. c) Project manager

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_257_2026" in the subject line of the email.

 

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.

The reception of applications ends on

20/08/2026
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.
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.