Post-doc CEFCA ARRAKIHS
2023-11-20 12:00
Ref0118 / Deadline: January 18th, 2024 (23:59 CET)
Cerrado/ClosedOffer description
The "Centro de Estudios de Física del Cosmos de Aragón" (CEFCA) invites applications for a postdoctoral position starting as soon as possible. The position, with a duration of at least 2 years, is conceived within the framework of the "Knowledge Generation Projects 2022" project PID2022-138896NA-C54 titled "ARRAKIHS: First phase of the next mission of the European Space Agency".
ARRAKIHS (Analysis of Resolved Remnants of Accreted galaxies as a Key Instrument for Halo Surveys) was recently approved as the next European Space Agency (ESA) F-class mission (F is for "fast"; https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/call-for-missions-2021/selection-of-f2). It is the first ESA mission to be led by Spain and is planned for launch around 2030. ARRAKIHS will observe ~100 Milky Way-like galaxies in the optical and infrared, reaching unprecedented low surface brightness limits (~31 mag/arcsec2) for such a large sample, with the objective of unveiling the nature of dark matter and to deepen our knowledge of galaxy formation processes through deep observations.
CEFCA is a research institution located in Teruel, Spain, in charge of the operation, data management and scientific exploitation of the Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre (OAJ), an astronomical facility specifically suited for carrying out large astronomical surveys with very large field-of-view (FoV) telescopes: the 2.5m Javalambre Survey Telescope (JST250; 3deg diameter FoV) and the 83cm Javalambre Auxiliary Survey Telescope (JAST80; 2deg diameter FoV). A replica of ARRAKIHS will also be installed at OAJ in the coming years to help in planning the ARRAKIHS pipeline and science.
CEFCA has a major participation in the ARRAKIHS mission, being one of the main nodes of the Proyecto Coordinado de Plan Nacional and is leading several key aspects of ARRAKIHS: ground-based demonstrator assembly and operations, the data reduction pipeline of the Science Ground Segment (SGS), and Science Work Package 10 (structural analysis of galaxies in the high-level products). As a post-doc of ARRAKIHS, the successful applicant will become a full member of the ARRAKIHS consortium, actively participating in the SGS, consortia meetings and will be visiting other participant institutions for short visits: primarily IFCA/Santander and ESAC/Madrid; and based on need: UCM/Madrid, IAA/Granada, EPFL/Lausanne, Univ. Lund/Sweden, Univ. Innsbruk/Austria.
Job description
The applicant will conduct research related to the mission ARRAKIHS, in particular, processing and analysing mock ARRAKIHS images from high-resolution simulations in order to 1) optimise algorithms for the detection of tidal features such as streams and shells 2) quantify and characterise these features around galaxies 3) identify observables useful for distinguishing between different cosmological scenarios. The tasks will be developed with state-of-the-art machine learning techniques (e.g., segmentation models), astronomical image software (e.g., Gnuastro, Sextractor), as well as statistical analysis, with the objective of being prepared for ARRAKIHS launch.
Valuable Knowledge and Experience
- Good research record in the topic of dark matter and/or galaxy evolution.
- Expertise in the use of machine learning techniques.
- Expertise in the use of astronomical image software.
- Experience in the analysis of deep astronomical images will be an asset.
- Knowledge of statistics.
- Team working skills.
- Programming in Python. Other languages like IDL, C++, or Fortran, will be evaluated positively.
Evaluation process
The committee, formed by several CEFCA members, will first evaluate the suitability of the candidates on the basis of their CVs, research statements and reference letters. The best candidates will be shortlisted for a final interview.
Being aware of the impact of family leaves on scientific careers (maternity, paternity, adoption, or leaves to take care of family members with serious health conditions), properly justified family leaves will be taken into consideration during the evaluation process.
Terms and conditions
| Education: | PhD in physics/astronomy |
| Languages: | Fluent in English |
| Work Place: | CEFCA Headquarters, Teruel, Spain. |
| Contract Duration: | 2 years, subject to funding availability and the timescale of the project. |
| Deadline: | Thursday, January 18th, 2024 (23:59 CET) |
Applications: | Applications shall include: 1) CV; 2) brief statement of research interests, with emphasis on the requested profile; and 3) two reference letters. To be submitted via email (Subject: "Ref.0118. Post-doc ARRAKIHS”) to jobs@cefca.es.
Before submitting your application, you should carefully read the "basic information on the protection of personal data" below. Sending your application to the email jobs@cefca.es will be your confirmation that you understand the use we will make of your personal data and that you accept our privacy policy. CEFCA is an equal opportunity employer committed to increase the diversity in its workplace. Applications of candidates from underrepresented social groups in our staff are welcome. CEFCA is committed in promoting the gender parity among its staff. Hence, applications from women are strongly welcome. |
For further information, please contact:
Helena Domínguez Sánchez – hdominguez@cefca.es
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