Job opportunities

Junior researcher on spectroscopy and reduction techniques for the first science verification data of the Gaia - WEAVE project

OF_IEEC_112_2023
Publication date
2023-07-04
Deadline
2023-07-18

The Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC) 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 involvement in the entity.

Introduction

The Gaia team at IEEC is deeply involved in the Gaia mission from the European Space Agency (ESA) and in the development and scientific exploitation of the WEAVE instrument, which is a new wide-field spectroscopy facility for the prime focus of the 4.2-m William Herschel Telescope. 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+WEAVE), the researcher will have opportunities for international collaborations. Women and members from minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Description of position

  • Position: junior researcher for the 1st year science verification of Gaia Weave
  • Professional group: Group III Scientific staff
  • Professional category:  Advance degree
  • Working hours:  37,5 hours/week
  • Working location: Institute of Cosmos Sciences located in the Faculty of Physics of the University of Barcelona, Carrer Marti i Francques, 1 planta 7 08028 Barcelona.

Functions

The Gaia team participates in two working groups of the WEAVE project: SCIP and Galactic Archaeology (GA). The fibre-fed Multi-Object Spectrograph of WEAVE is currently finishing its commission and starting the Science Verification phase. The successful candidate will help with the configuration tool that allows the allocation of fibres into the targets in the plate.

Implement codes that automatise this process for the different observing blocks for the aforementioned surveys (GA, SCIP). Participate in the submission of the files during trimesters 2023B2 and 2024A1 (October 2023 and January 2024). Iterate and improve the codes according to the results of these submissions. During the first internal releases of science verification data (expected during last semester 2023), the candidate will check the available spectra and pipelined physical parameters and look for inconsistencies. She/he will write code to read and validate these data, and run it during the data available during the first year of the survey (October 2023-September 2024). Also for the first available data, she/he will run the code to compute physical parameters for the high resolution spectra for A stars, and improve/optimise the already available code if needed.

Participation requirements and selection criteria

The following criteria will be assessed during the selection process:

  • Trainning: The call is aimed at graduate in Physics, Astronomy or a related field.
  • Knowledge: Advanced Python programming skills, Experience in data reduction of photometry and spectroscopy data

The following aspects will be considered desirable merits:

  • Excellent academic record
  • Master in Astrophysics
  • Advanced Python programming skills
  • Knowledge of statistical data analysis
  • Experience in Cloud Computing
  • Good English language skills
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team

Contact and deadline

Interested persons who meet the established requirements can send a motivation letter, together with 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 – OFF_IEEC_112_2023" in the subject line of the email.

The reception of applications ends on 18th July, 2023.

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

18/07/2023
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 and study of the curriculum will be carried out to assess aspects related to the job to be covered. Next, a first selection of candidates will be made based on the curriculum contributed.

The shortlisted candidates will be called to a personal interview and/or a test to expand the detailed information in the curriculum and assessed 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 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.