2026-07-27 12:00

Ref0147 / Deadline: August 31st, 2026 (23:59:59 CEST)

Abierto / Open

Offer description

The "Centro de Estudios de Física del Cosmos de Aragón" (CEFCA) invites applications for a permanent position of Researcher in Astrophysics and Cosmology.

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; 3 deg diameter FoV) and the 83cm Javalambre Auxiliary Survey Telescope (JAST80; 2 deg 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 3.6 deg² FoV and hosts a set of 54 filters of ~14.5 nm width, covering the whole optical spectral range plus two broader filters at the blue and red ends. JPCam/JST250 is mostly devoted to carry out the Javalambre Physics of the accelerating Universe Astrophysical Survey (J-PAS), which is producing photo-spectra of hundreds of millions of astronomical objects with a wide range of applications in Astrophysics and Cosmology. The J-PAS DR1 is expected internally by the end of 2026, covering 150 deg² with all the filters, being an early data release of 12 deg² already public.

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 devoted to conducting the Javalambre Photometric Local Universe Survey (J-PLUS), whose fourth data release, amounting 4950 deg², was public in November 2025. J-VAR is a time-domain survey which observes fields already calibrated by J-PLUS in 11 different nights using 7 filters with three main science goals: Solar System Objects, optical transients and periodically variable stars. The J-VAR DR1 already released over 200 square degrees.

The OAJ is a Spanish ICTS (Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructure). As such, CEFCA offers 20% of OAJ Open Time to competitive P.I. projects, including Legacy Surveys with the JAST80 and the JST250.

CEFCA is also a core institution of the ARRAKIHS 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.

Finally, a new facility has been approved to be operative in 2030: a 1.5m-class telescope with a large FoV of ~20 deg² dedicated to planetary defence, time domain & minor bodies science and space debris monitoring. This has recently opened a new research line at CEFCA focusing on asteroids, the scientific management of the telescope and the definition of the optimum observing strategy to maximise the output of the facility.

The OAJ data is reduced, calibrated and released by the Department for Data Processing and Archiving (DPAD) at CEFCA. In addition, the data from the main CEFCA surveys is validated and exploited at scientific level by the Research Area at CEFCA. The knowledge gathered in the last decade has highlighted the great importance of building value added catalogues (VACs) in modern astrophysical surveys. As an intermediate step between photometric catalogues and breaking scientific results, the estimation of high-level astrophysical parameters ensures an optimal analysis and a well controlled data flow. Because of the transversal nature of the OAJ surveys, the VACs aim to cover a broad range of Astrophysical topics.

In this context, CEFCA is seeking one postdoctoral researcher with an excellent research record in the strategic research topics for CEFCA, as stated below. The successful candidate will join the Research Area at CEFCA as a staff member to have a leading role in any of the research lines of CEFCA and in the scientific exploitation of the present and future OAJ surveys.

Research topics

The main strategic research topics considered for the position are:

• Minor bodies of the Solar System.
• The Milky Way.
• Transients in the Galaxy and at cosmological distances.
• Galaxy formation and evolution, with emphasis on stellar populations.
• The low-surface brightness Universe.
• Cosmology.

Duties

As member of the Research Department at CEFCA, the successful candidate will have the following duties:

• Perform research in Astrophysics and/or Cosmology.
• Apply for funding at regional, national, and European level.
• Development of scientific codes to compute and validate VACs based on OAJ data for their research topic of experience.
• Scientific exploitation of the estimated VACs in the context of current and future OAJ surveys.
• Supervision and training of young researchers.
• Participation in the outreach and educational activities carried out by CEFCA.

Terms and conditions

Applications

In order to be considered, the applications should include: 1) Short CV (4 pages max., minimum font size of 11) indicating a brief summary of their research career and a list of the most relevant contributions from the last 10 years (publications, projects, etc.). It is recommended (but not mandatory) using the CVA template of the Spanish Agencia Estatal de Investigación; 2) Research Project and Vision for, at least, the first 5 years of contract with emphasis on their contribution to any of the main Research Topics indicated in this call and the scientific exploitation of the OAJ surveys (pdf format, 10 pages max., minimum font size of 11, single spacing) including state-of-the-art in the topic, proposed methodology, working, funding and publication plan, team building, key performance indicators, etc.; and 3) Two Reference Letters. The documentation must be submitted via email (Subject: "Ref.0147. Scientific Researcher in Astrophysics and Cosmology") 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. 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

The selection committee, composed of several CEFCA staff members, will begin by evaluating the candidates based on their CVs, research statements, and reference letters. The most competitive applicants will be shortlisted for a final interview. The first evaluation phase will carry a maximum of 80 points:

• Excellence of the research record in Astrophysics (max. 30 points).
• Proven ability to secure funding through competitive grant calls and demonstrated experience and skills in management of research groups and PhD student supervision (max. 25 points).
• Quality of the research statement, including relevance to the aforementioned Research Topics, OAJ projects, suitability for the position, and strength of reference letters (max. 25 points).

The interview phase will be worth up to 20 points. The position will be offered to the highest-scoring candidate on the shortlist.

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 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.