Oferta de tesi de màster: Anàlisi de dades i verificació sobre el terreny per a ILIADA

The Gravitational Astronomy Group at the Institute of Space Sciences is leading Spain’s contribution to the future space-based gravitational observatory, LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna), a mission by the ESA scheduled for launch in 2035. Its goal is to detect gravitational radiation by deploying three satellites 2.5 million kilometers apart, forming a triangle. The team’s contribution to the mission is the Science Diagnostic Subsystem (SDS), a set of sensors designed to monitor the onboard environment of the satellites with extremely high precision. The mission is currently in its industrial development phase.

The Gravitational Astronomy Group runs  different research lines spanning the development of new precision measurement technologies for future space missions or ground testing off light hardware the development of payloads in the framework of the NewSpace missions or the development of data analysis pipelines applying noise reduction and detection methodologies to better characterise in-flight experiments.

Our group promotes a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, gender, nationality, race, religion, or sexual orientation. We strongly encourage women and underrepresented minorities in the physical sciences to apply.

• Position: 1.Master thesis offer: Data analysis and ground verification for ILIADA
• Professional group: Group III. Scientific Staff
• Professional category: Graduate
• Working hours: 37,5 h/week
• Working location: Institute of Space Sciences, Carrer de Can Magrans s/n, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain

The contract is aimed at performing research tasks in a specific and innovative project. These activities are intended to support and lead to the successful completion and presentation of the final Master's thesis (TFM).

The selected candidate will have the following duties and responsibilities:­

• Develop algorithms for data processing of the sensors on-board ILIADA (In-flight LISA diagnostics in-orbit demonstrator), an in-orbit demonstrator planned to fly in 2026.
• Model contributions to magnetic field on-board and develop algorithms that allow the detection and characterisation of Birkeland currents.
• Contribute to the on-ground verification and test of the payload.

• RESEARCH LINE#2: Low-frequency noise subtraction in ultra-stable sensing environments

  • Study noise contributions to the LISA Enhanced Temperature Subsystem (LETS) in the sub-millihertz regime.
  • Implement and test  low-frequency noise subtraction techniques.
  • Contribute to the lab test and verification of the read-out in the framework of a contract with the French Space Agency (CNES).

• RESEARCH LINE#3: Opto-mechanical sensors for space missions

  • Developing new sensing techniques based on opto-mechanical resonators focusing on its operations in ultra-stable conditions.
  • Study and model noise contributions (power, frequency) focusing on the millhertz performance.
  • Implementing and testing optical setups in clean room conditions.

The following criteria will be assessed during the selection process:

• Bachelor’s degree in physics or engineering
• Enrolled in master's studies in physics, engineering, photonics or equivalent areas.
• The activities must lead to the successful completion and presentation of the final Master's thesis (TFM).

The following aspects will be considered desirable merits:

• Relevant research experience, preferably in a experimental areas.
• Knowledge in data analysis and programming (preferably Python).
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to develop innovative 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.

Interested persons who meet the requirements can send the following documents:

• Motivation letter (selecting one of the porposed research lines)
• CV
• One letter 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_204_2025" in the subject line of the e-mail. Letter 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 evaluation committee for this procedure will be composed of:
a) Principal Investigator of the project, IEEC.
b) technologist, CSIC.
c) engineer and research manager.