The Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC, https://www.ice.csic.es/) in Barcelona, is looking for candidates for one graduate student position to work on observational astrophysics and cosmology. The institute is involved in DES, PAU, DESI, Euclid and DESC-LSST. The successful candidate is expected to work mostly on the HOSTFLOWS project. The position is for four years, with salary and benefits in line with those in Spanish institutions.

HOSTFLOWS is a Spanish funded project that aims to address the leading systematic uncertainties in the measurement of H0, by performing an unprecedented study of the local environments of nearby standard candles. With an exquisite sample of hundreds of nearby galaxies observed with multi-wavelength photometry, integral-field spectroscopy (IFS) and polarimetry, we will map their local properties like metallicity, stellar age and mass, and dust extinction to constrain the effects in distance estimation and in the determination of the current expansion of the universe H0.

In addition, to extend upon the seminal efforts of peculiar velocities, we aim to reconstruct the panorama of our supercluster Laniakea by studying cosmic flows using type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) in the near-infrared (NIR). We intend to advance peculiar velocity studies with the addition of systematic-limited SNe Ia distances. In doing so, we will provide a sorely needed roadmap and means to expand the cosmography of the local universe and ultimately make accurate local measurements of H0 and the growth rate of cosmic structure parameterized by fσ8.

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Lluís Galbany. The starting date is flexible between Jul-Sep 2022. Candidates must have the academic credentials to enroll in the PhD program at the Autonomous University of Barcelona during the 2022/2023 academic year. Typically, this translates into the need to have completed, by Summer of 2022, an MSc degree or equivalent.

The application package, consisting of a short CV including name(s)/e-mail(s) of reference(s) and a copy of the relevant academic transcripts, must be sent to Dr. Lluís Galbany (lgalbany@ice.csic.es) by October 10th, 2021. Any questions can be directed to the same e-mail.