reference_0142

Postdoctoral Research Position in Galactic and Local Group Astrophysics

2026-03-04 14:31

Ref0142 / Deadline: May 1st, 2026 (14:00 CEST)

Abierto / Open

Offer description

The Centro de Estudios de Física del Cosmos de Aragón (CEFCA) invites applications for one postdoctoral position within the project Resolved stellar populations to unveil the Milky Way and Local group assembly (PID2024-155572NB-C21; MWA-CEFCA) funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and ERDF/EU.

The position is available as soon as possible and will be offered with a contract of up to 1.5 years, with a latest possible end date of August 31, 2028.

The successful candidate will conduct research aligned with the main objectives of the Milky Way and Local Group Science project, focusing on the determination of fundamental stellar parameters (and potentially individual chemical abundances) using the J-PLUS and J-PAS filter systems. The work will target stellar populations in the Milky Way and in M31/M33 within the framework of the J-ATLAS project, with an emphasis on methodology development and scientific exploitation of multi-band photometric data.

J-PLUS (Javalambre Photometric Local Universe Survey): A wide-area optical survey using a dedicated set of multi-band filters (broad + narrow) to obtain low-resolution “spectral” information from imaging, enabling efficient classification of objects and estimates of stellar/galaxy parameters across the nearby Universe.

J-PAS (Javalambre Physics of the Accelerating Universe Astrophysical Survey): A very large-area imaging survey using dozens of narrow-band filters to deliver near-spectroscopic photometry, designed for precision photometric redshifts and cosmology, while also enabling detailed Milky Way and extragalactic stellar population science.

J-ATLAS (Javalambre Andromeda and Triangulum Legacy Astrophysical Survey) is a legacy program focused on M31 and M33 that exploits the Javalambre multi-filter systems to map their resolved stellar populations—and associated substructures—in a uniform, panoramic way, enabling robust stellar parameter (and, where feasible, abundance) inference and advancing Local Group archaeology. The project is already underway with a pilot survey centered on the prominent South Giant Stream in M31, designed to validate the observing strategy, calibration, and analysis pipelines while delivering an initial science grade dataset on one of the key tidal features of Andromeda’s halo.

In this context, CEFCA seeks a postdoctoral researcher to carry out ambitious research focusing on the development and application of robust, photometry based methods to infer key stellar parameters (e.g., effective temperature, surface gravity, metallicity) — and, where feasible, selected chemical abundances — from the J-PLUS and J-PAS multi-filter systems. In particular, the project aims to exploit the unique information content of Javalambre’s narrow- and medium-band photometry to characterize Milky Way and Local Group stellar populations at scale, and to deliver validated methodologies and science ready catalogues for the J-ATLAS mapping of M31 and M33. This effort will enable detailed studies of stellar populations, substructure, and assembly history across the Milky Way–Andromeda–Triangulum system, providing an efficient bridge between classical broadband imaging and spectroscopy. The successful candidate will be strongly encouraged to lead their own independent research project making use of these datasets.

The successful candidate will also be very welcome to explore synergies with major existing and upcoming spectroscopic and astrometric data sets, including Gaia, RAVE, LAMOST, APOGEE, Gaia-ESO, GALAH, WEAVE, to calibrate and validate the photometric inferences and to broaden the scientific exploitation. Connections with future large surveys and missions—such as the Roman (e.g., the Roman Andromeda programs), Euclid, SPHEREx—are likewise encouraged, particularly where they enhance the project’s reach in the Milky Way and Local Group context. Furthermore, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to pursue complementary follow-up observations by applying for competitive observing time at Spanish facilities (e.g., the Gran Telescopio Canarias, GTC), as well as other national infrastructures. In addition, as Spain is a Member State of the European Southern Observatory (ESO), the candidate will also be eligible to apply for observing time on ESO facilities through the standard proposal channels.

The appointee will work within the group of Dr. Borja Anguiano (PI of J-ATLAS and MWA-CEFCA), in close collaboration with Dr. Carlos López San Juan (PI of MWA-CEFCA), and will take part in all Javalambre survey activities, including working visits to collaborators at IAA-CSIC and to international partner institutions. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to interact with Dr. Carlos Allende Prieto (IAC), particularly in understanding and applying the FERRE spectral fitting framework in support of stellar parameter and abundance inference from Javalambre multi-band photometry and related calibration efforts. The position is based at CEFCA’s headquarters in Teruel, Spain. In addition to salary and equipment, funding will be provided for participation in national and international conferences and workshops.

CEFCA in a nutshell

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).

JST250 is equipped with JPCam, a ~1.2Mpix panoramic camera consisting of a mosaic of 14 CCDs of ~9.2k x 9.2kpix. The JPCam/JST250 system provides a 4.1 deg2 FoV and hosts a complete new set of 54 filters of ~140A width, covering the whole optical spectral range plus two broader filters at the blue and red ends. In the coming years, JPCam/JST250 will be primarily devoted to carry out the Javalambre Physics of the accelerating Universe Astrophysical Survey (J-PAS), which will produce photo-spectra of hundreds of millions of astronomical objects with wide-ranging applications in astrophysics and cosmology.

JAST80 is equipped with the panoramic camera T80Cam, hosting one CCD identical to those in JPCam. The T80Cam/JAST80 system provides an effective FoV of 2 deg2. Since 2016, it is primarily dedicated to conducting the Javalambre Photometric Local Universe Survey (J-PLUS), whose fourth data release (~ 5000deg2) was made public in November 2025.

The OAJ is a Spanish ICTS (Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructure). As such, CEFCA offers 20% of OAJ Open Time to competitive PI-led projects, including Legacy Surveys with JAST80.

CEFCA is also a core institution of the ARRAKIHS (Analysis of Resolved Remnants of Accreted Galaxies as a Key Instrument for Halo Surveys) consortium, the first F-class ESA space mission led by a Spanish institution. The mission ARRAKIHS (Analysis of Resolved Remnants of Accreted galaxies as a Key Instrument for Halo Surveys) aims to test our current understanding about dark matter by observing a hundred Milky Way-like galaxies reaching unprecedented low-surface brightness limit, sufficient to detect the faint tidal tails predicted by current galaxy formation theories.

The OAJ data are reduced, calibrated, and released by the Data Processing and Archiving Department (DPAD) at CEFCA. In addition, the data from the main CEFCA surveys, such as J-PAS and J-PLUS, are validated and scientifically exploited by members of the Research Area at CEFCA.

CEFCA also leads GALÁCTICA , its new public outreach and education center in Teruel, designed to bring cutting-edge astrophysics to the broader community. GALÁCTICA hosts interactive exhibitions and educational activities, and serves as a bridge between the scientific work at CEFCA/OAJ and the public, with programs for schools, families, and visitors that highlight how modern sky surveys are carried out and how their data are used to explore the Universe.

Essential skills and experience

  • PhD in Astronomy/Astrophysics (completed by the start date, or close to completion) with research related to Milky Way and/or Local Group stellar populations.
  • A strong track record of scientific achievements—evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations (including invited or oral contributions), and successful project involvement—in studies of Milky Way and/or Local Group stellar populations.
  • Strong track record in scientific programming and data analysis (Python; familiarity with common libraries such as NumPy/SciPy/Pandas/AstroPy; reproducible workflows and version control, e.g., Git).
  • Demonstrated experience deriving or validating stellar parameters (e.g., Teff, log g, [Fe/H], extinction) from photometric and/or spectroscopic data.
  • Ability to work with large astronomical catalogues (cross-matching, quality control, selection functions, uncertainty propagation).
  • Familiarity with Virtual Observatory tools and/or database querying (e.g., ADQL/TAP) is an asset.
  • Good communication skills in English and ability to work effectively in an international, collaborative environment (papers, presentations, teamwork).

Desirable skills and experience

  • Experience with multi-band and/or narrow-/medium-band photometric surveys, photo-spectra, or SED based inference methods.
  • Experience using major astrometric and spectroscopic surveys (e.g., Gaia, RAVE, LAMOST, APOGEE, GALAH, WEAVE) for calibration, validation, or joint analyses.
  • Familiarity with modern inference approaches (e.g., Bayesian methods, MCMC, machine learning) and robust estimation of uncertainties and systematics.
  • Experience with resolved stellar populations in M31/M33 (CMD-based analysis, metallicity/extinction mapping, substructure).
  • Experience preparing observing proposals and/or conducting observations.
  • Good software practices (packaging, documentation, testing, workflow automation) and interest in delivering science-ready data products for the community.

Terms and conditions

Education: Applicants should hold a PhD in Physics/Astronomy or equivalent.
Language:Fluent in English.
Work place:CEFCA Headquarters, Teruel, Spain.
Contract Duration:

The appointment is for up to 1.5 years, concluding no later than August 31, 2028.

Salary:

Gross annual (1650h): From 33,500 to 35,500€ (depending on experience and degree of suitability for the position).

Deadline:May 1st, 2026 (14:00 CEST).

Applications

In order to be considered, the applications should include: 1) a CV; 2) a brief research statement related to the topic of this project (4 pages maximum); and 3) two reference letters, to be submitted via email (Subject: "Ref0142. Postdoc Milky Way and Local Group Science”) to jobs@cefca.es by the aforementioned deadline. The letters should be directly submitted to the email address by the referees.

Before submitting your application, you must carefully read the ‘basic information on the protection of personal data’ provided below. By sending your application to the email address jobs@cefca.es, you confirm that you understand how your personal data will be used and that you accept our privacy policy.

For additional information, please contact Dr. Borja Anguiano (banguiano [at] cefca.es), or Dr. Carlos Lopez San Juan (clsj [at] cefca.es).

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 to promoting gender parity among its staff. Hence, applications from women are strongly welcome.

In order to strengthen objectivity in the selection process, applicants are offered the possibility of submitting a blind curriculum vitae. A blind CV is a format that deliberately avoids including information on sex, age, origin, disability, or other personal circumstances, and includes exclusively aspects related to the applicant’s education, experience, merits, and professional qualifications.

Evaluation process

Applications will be evaluated by a committee composed of several CEFCA members and the PIs of MWA-CEFCA. Candidates will first be assessed based on their CVs, research statements, and reference letters. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for a final interview. Recognizing the impact of family leaves on scientific careers—including maternity, paternity, adoption, or caregiving for family members with serious health conditions—properly documented family leaves will be duly taken into account during the evaluation process.

Being aware of the impact that leave and career breaks related to family life (maternity, paternity, adoption, and the care of dependent family members) may have on scientific and technical careers, these circumstances will be taken into account, together with the corresponding justification, during the evaluation process.

Work–life balance measures

Pursuant to the current Collective Agreement of CEFCA: a 37.5-hour workweek (1650h/year) with flexible working hours beyond the established core time; up to 20% remote work; and leave and absence entitlements in accordance with applicable regulations.

Living and working in Teruel offers a high quality of life in a welcoming, safe, and affordable city in the Aragón region, with easy access to nature and outdoor activities and a relaxed pace that is well suited for focused research. Teruel is connected by road and rail to major hubs such as Valencia and Zaragoza, and its location makes weekend trips across Spain straightforward; international travel is also convenient via nearby airports (e.g., Valencia). The region also offers a rich cultural setting, including UNESCO listed Mudéjar architecture in Teruel and nearby destinations such as Albarracín, as well as excellent hiking landscapes across the province. Importantly, employment in Spain means that you (and eligible family members) will be covered by Spain’s public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud), providing access to comprehensive medical services and primary care through the national network.

BASIC INFORMATION ON PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION
Data Controller: CEFCA
DPO Contact: dpd@cefca.es
Finality and legitimacy: Include your candidacy in staff selection processes. These processes are intended to hire a person interested in a job offer, so that the data processing will be legitimized by article 6.1b of the RGPD ("the treatment is necessary for the application, at the request of the interested party, of pre-contractual measures").
Conservation: They will be kept as long as the job offers to which you submit your application remain active, and while the legal responsibilities related to the contracting processes can be resolved.
Recipients: They will not be transferred to third parties unless it is necessary for their purpose, or we are allowed or obliged by a legal provision.
Rights: You can exercise your rights of access, rectification, deletion, portability, limitation and opposition to the treatment of your data, and to withdraw the consent given. To exercise them you can write to cefca@cefca.es or go by postal mail to our physical headquarters.
More information: By visiting our privacy policy or writing to dpd@cefca.es