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Postdoctoral Researcher in Observational Cosmology
The IEEC (Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya) was established in February 1996 as a non-profit foundation (NPO) to promote space R&D 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 advance the frontiers of space research in science and technology for the greatest benefit of society. The Foundation is attached to the Government of Catalonia and forms part of its institutional public sector, as the Government holds a majority representation on the IEEC Board of Trustees.
Introduction
The purpose of this call is to select a candidate to fill the position of Junior Postdoc within the Research Department of the Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya.
Description of position
- Positions to be filled: 1. Postdoctoral Researcher in Observational Cosmology
- Professional group: Group III. Research staff
- Professional category: Junior Postdoc
- Working hours: 5 hours
- Work location: Institut de Ciències de l’Espai (ICE, CSIC), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona
Functions
The European Space Agency's Euclid space telescope aims to map most of the sky to study the geometry and composition of the Universe. This information will help us understand what dark matter and dark energy are and test the theory of gravity on cosmological scales. Our group has a major role in the scientific exploitation and processing of the telescope's data.
One of our project's main needs is to explore new methods for analyzing the data and extracting more information from it. One new method being considered for galaxy surveys is the Bernardeau-Nishimichi-Taruya (BNT) transform. This technique cleanly separates the information we get from gravitational lensing, which makes it easier to model.
The selected candidate will be responsible for modifying the different parts of the analysis to incorporate this technique into our scientific exploitation of the Euclid data.
The selected candidate will have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Modify the different parts of the analysis to incorporate the BNT technique into the scientific exploitation of Euclid data.
Participation requirements and selection criteria
The following criteria will be assessed during the selection process:
- Education: PhD
- Languages: C1 level in English, accredited by an official certificate.
The following aspects will be considered desirable merits (maximum 20 points):
- Experience in modelling galaxy clustering and weak gravitational lensing (Up to 3 points)
- Experience with the Bernardeau-Nishimichi-Taruya (BNT) transform (Up to 15 points)
- Experience in cosmological analysis with galaxy surveys (Up to 2 points)
Selection procedure
Initially, compliance with the eligibility requirements will be checked, and an initial selection of candidates will be made based on the documentation submitted.
Candidates who do not meet the requirements set out in the call will not proceed to the next stage, the merit assessment.
Merits will then be assessed, and candidates who do not achieve a minimum score of 10 points will not proceed to the next stage, the personal interview.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a personal interview to expand on the information provided in their CVs and assess aspects related to their professional competencies. If deemed necessary, candidates will be invited to take a written/oral test once the interview round has been completed.
Once the interviews have been completed, the selection committee will meet to assess the different stages of the selection process and issue a report setting out the selection outcome.
The evaluation committee for this procedure will consist of:
- a) Principal Investigator of the IEEC PID2025 EUCLID project.
- b) Co-Principal Investigator of the IEEC PID2025 EUCLID project.
- c) Principal Investigator of the IEEC PID2025 ARRAKIHS project., or their delegate.
The selection committee will aim to include at least one woman among its members, in order to promote a gender-balanced composition and uphold the principles of equal opportunities and non-discrimination
In all cases, the selection committee will include at least one representative from the IEEC’s Human Resources Office, who will oversee the proper implementation of the selection procedure and ensure compliance with the principles of equal opportunities, transparency, merit and competence.
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.
The IEEC is committed to open, transparent and merit-based recruitment processes, as well as to equal opportunities and non-discrimination. We welcome applications from international candidates and individuals with diverse career paths, including those who have experienced career breaks due to maternity, paternity, caring responsibilities or other personal circumstances, as well as applications from people with disabilities.
In accordance with Article 59 of the Basic Statute of Public Employees (TREBEP), which provides for a minimum reservation of 7% of vacancies in public sector recruitment processes for people with disabilities, the IEEC will apply this reservation to candidates who can demonstrate a disability rating of 33% or higher, provided they are suitable for the duties of the position.
For further information on the IEEC’s Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment (OTM-R) policy, please consult the Ethics and Integrity section of the IEEC website.https://www.ieec.cat/ieec/etica-i-integritat/
Contact and deadline
Interested persons who meet the established requirements can send the certificate confirming C1-level English proficiency, 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_272_2026" in the subject line of the email.
The reception of applications ends on