Open Position Postdoctoral Position in Multi-messenger Astronomy within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan – Funded by the European Union – Next Generation

Port d’Informació Científica (PIC) is a scientific-technological center specialized in developing advanced tools and methods for scientific data analysis. We participate in research projects from multiple disciplines with challenging data environments, including particle physics, astrophysics, biology, materials science and others. Our main objective is to accelerate research by making data analysis more effective through the use of Machine Learning, High-Throughput Computing and Big Data techniques using distributed computing to support collaborative research.

PIC is operated through a collaboration agreement between CIEMAT and IFAE research centers. PIC is collaborating in research projects in optical galaxy surveys (DES, PAU, Euclid, DESI, DESC-LSST), gamma-ray astronomy (MAGIC, CTA) and gravitational wave astronomy (LIGO, Virgo, Einstein Telescope). Multi-Messenger astronomy is based on the simultaneous recording and interpretation of various signals from space. Therefore PIC is in a unique position to exploit synergies and accelerate Multi-messenger astronomy analyses by developing tools and methods that combine the data coming from the different instruments.

PIC is looking for a highly motivated scientist with robust technical expertise in advanced data analysis methodologies and genuine interest in multidisciplinary research. The role involves contributing to the development of a Multi-messenger data analysis platform in collaboration with astronomers, cosmologists and software engineers.

The selected candidate will be engaged in the Multi-messenger analysis platform project and its associated Big Data common service at PIC. He/She will closely collaborate with discipline scientists to create a science web portal platform featuring advanced functionality. This platform aims to facilitate access, analysis, visualization and distribution of astronomical data from different instruments.

Job Description

You will work as a researcher within a Multi-messenger analysis platform project. Your job will consist in:

• Developing a next generation Multi-messenger data platform with advanced analysis capabilities.
• Interacting with astronomers and cosmologists in the context of the Multi-messenger platform project to analyze their data analysis needs, computing model and technological environment.
• Interacting with the computer engineers at PIC to design algorithms and interfaces for using PIC computing resources efficiently while implementing the analysis platform.

Required Skills

You will have the support of the Operations and Services teams at PIC and access to their expert knowledge in production services and systems administration. In turn, we expect from you:

• Capacity to understand complex experimental environments, to identify gaps in existing data analysis workflows and to develop specific solutions to address them.
• Being proactive. Having the ability to manage independently project implementation and delivery within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to work with tight deadlines. Results-driven.
• Experience with publishing scientific results.

Degree and area of specialization

• PhD in Science on the date of the contract start (preferable, but not exclusively, in Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics, Computer Science).
• At least five years of scientific programming experience.
• Experience in reduction, calibration and analysis of astronomical observed and simulated data.
• Experience with statistical tools.
• Experience with advanced data analysis, including big data frameworks as Hadoop and Spark.
• Experience in programming in python, software management, git.
• Fluent knowledge of English, both written and spoken.

Contract characteristics

The recruiting center will be the Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE). The place of work will be the headquarters of PIC at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (https://www.pic.es )

At least 1 position. A Full-time (40h/week) position with an “actividades científico-técnicas” contract (article 23-bis of the Spanish Act 14/2011, Ley de la ciencia, la tecnología y la innovación) linked to the project Advanced technologies for the exploration of the Universe and its components, of the area of Astrophysics and High Energy Physics (Action Line 8: Computing, big data and artificial intelligence) within the frame of the R&D&I Complementary Plans of the Spanish Government that are part component 17 of the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism. This contract is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU (MICINN/PRTR funds) and by Generalitat de Catalunya.

There will be a trial period of 2 months.

The position will correspond to “Postdoctoral Researcher Senior” within the IFAE professional categories . Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications within the corresponding category range. The successful candidate would start working at PIC as soon as possible. Application and Selection process Applications should be submitted to pic.jobs@pic.es stating the job reference (PIC2024-PCMM-L8-1) as the Subject of the message. The mail should include a cover letter and an updated CV. Sending CVs to the above address implies consent to the legal warning at the bottom of IFAE’s Home Page.

The application must contain a personal identification number (DNI, NIE or passport) in order to proceed to the verification of absence of conflict of interest required by Recovery and Resilience Mechanism of the Spanish Government.

IFAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace and social integration of people with a disability. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. People from groups that are typically underrepresented in the labor market in general and in Science and Engineering in particular, such as women, minorities, or people with a disability, are particularly encouraged to apply.

You may contact pic.jobs@pic.es for any questions related to this job opening.

A Selection Committee will evaluate the received applications. If more than one candidate seems equally suitable for the position, the Selection Committee will arrange an on-line interview with each one of them as part of the Selection process.

In compliance with article 121 of the Spanish Public Sector Legal Regime Act, staff with a pre-existing relationship with the Consortium administration (Generalitat de Catalunya and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) will have priority in the awarding of the position.

Funding Statement

This contract is part of the project Advanced technologies for the exploration of the Universe and its components, of the area of Astrophysics and High Energy Physics, within the frame of the R&D&I Complementary Plans of the Spanish Government that are part component 17 of the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism. This contract is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU (MICINN/PRTR funds) and by Generalitat de Catalunya.