Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position on strong and milli gravitational lensing to constrain Dark Matter substructures.

The position is joint between the University of Barcelona and MPA Garching, first with 2 years in Barcelona with F. Courbin followed by up to 2 years at MPA with S. Vegetti, depending on performances and funding. Although the contract is initially for Barcelona, the work will be done jointly with MPA from the beginning.

The successful candidate(s) will work on the nature of dark matter through its impact on the formation of structures in lens galaxies and along their line of sight. A background in gravitational lensing is highly desired. Skills in machine learning, inverse problems, data reduction will be seen as a plus. The candidate will work on HST, JWST and VLT-AO data and/or on lens modeling techniques and lens simulations.

Both F. Courbin and S. Vegetti are deeply involved in the ESA Euclid satellite mission, as will be the successful applicant.

Applicants should submit a CV, publication list, and a research statement, via filling out this link. The candidates should also provide the email addresses of three contacts who can submit a supporting letter of reference. These will be contacted once the application is submitted before March 10, 2024. The ideal start of the contract is 1 June 2024 to allow for optimal use of funds.

About the Institute of Cosmos Sciences

The Institute of Cosmos Sciences is a research institute of the University of Barcelona. It is an interdisciplinary center dedicated to fundamental research in the fields of cosmology, astrophysics, and particle physics. In addition, the institute has a strong technology program through its participation in international collaborations in observational astronomy and experimental particle physics.

As part of the University of Barcelona, the ICCUB is a recipient of the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research (HRS4R) Award, which recognises, among other achievements, respect for equal opportunities and the capacity to attract talent in a positive working environment that promotes the pursuit of successful research careers. The ICCUB respects the principles of open, transparent, merit-based selection. We strongly encourage women and underrepresented minorities to apply. For additional information please see the Diversity, equity and inclusion Commission.

The ICCUB is located in Barcelona, considered the 8th World's Best Cities 2021: one with near-perfect weather year-round, miles and miles of beaches, iconic parks, striking architecture and colorful neighborhoods that march to their own beat—artistic, sophisticated, bohemian. Moreover, it is a pole of attraction for the technology sector, a top choice to establish a company in this sector, and it hosts some of the world's major technological events, such as the Mobile World Congress and the Smart City Expo. In addition, Barcelona and its metropolitan area is a leading destination on the map of global technological ecosystems and has infrastructures such as science parks, universities and the 22@ district.