Rationale 

Stellar activity poses a major limitation to the extraction of exoplanetary signals. An evolving and rotating inhomogeneous stellar surface hampers both the detection of the Keplerian motions of small planets in temperate orbits using Doppler radial velocities and the atmospheric characterization of exoplanets using transit spectroscopy. Our ability to account for these effects relies on modelling all the observables related to stellar activity as a function of time and wavelength. 

The successful candidate will work on the development of methodologies to retrieve planetary signals (high-precision radial velocities and transit spectroscopy) from data affected by activity. A significant part of the work will focus on the evolution of the in-house stellar simulation software StarSim, and on its use to develop machine learning and algorithmic approaches to the inverse problem. For this reason, a solid background in Physics, Astronomy, and data analysis techniques is required. The successful candidate will have access to proprietary data from the CARMENES instrument, and potentially also from the CHEOPS mission, and will participate in the definition of the science exploitation of the future Ariel/ESA mission. Furthermore, they will have access to the (>20%) Spanish time in all the astronomical facilities at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory and to the Calar Alto Observatory.

Job characteristics

The successful candidate will join IEEC’s exoplanets group, which is composed of three world-leading senior researchers, plus ~2-3 postdocs, and ~3-5 PhD students. The group is led by Prof. Ignasi Ribas, who is the PI for the CARMENES Legacy-Plus survey and has a leading role in the Spanish contribution to space missions such as CHEOPS, Ariel and PLATO. The work will be co-supervised by Dr. Guillem Anglada-Escudé, who is an expert in exoplanet detection and has access to data from a variety of international collaborations. 

Work will be performed at the Institute of Space Sciences (ICE), which is part of the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC), and located at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) campus. Due to its global nature, being a member of IEEC allows access to resources in other institutes working in astronomy and space in the Catalan ecosystem, as well as opportunities for extended collaborations. Also, the successful candidate will join the vibrant work environment of the UAB campus and access to all its facilities and services. The IEEC, the ICE, and the exoplanets group follow strict codes of respect and inclusion in all work practices. Women and members from minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Call details

URL: https://www.ieec.cat/content/167/job-opportunities/home/465

Submission deadline: All materials should be received by May 15 to receive full consideration

Start date: As soon as possible and no later than September 2023

Duration: 2 years (option for a 3rd year depending on performance and availability of funds)

Salary: Depending on previous postdoctoral experience

Requirements to enter the selection process: PhD in Physics, Astronomy or a related field

The following will be valued:

• Excellent academic record and doctorate/PhD thesis
• Advanced Python programming skills
• Experience in the modelling of stellar activity and/or exoplanet data
• Knowledge of statistical data analysis
• Very good English language skills
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team
• Interest in (co-)supervising students

Application process 

The following application material should be sent as a single pdf file to recursoshumans@ieec.cat:

• A motivation letter (max. 3 p.) including contact details, information on skills and previous experience
• CV and selected publication list
• 3 letters of recommendation to be sent directly to Prof. Ribas (iribas@ieec.cat) by the referees