PostDoc - Cosmology with Gravitational Lenses (Open)

Post-doctoral position
Position category: PostDoc
Reference: 2025/45
Duration: 2 years
Application deadline: 2025/07/21
For more info contact the supervisors:
How to apply

We are currently accepting applications for the above mentioned position. This is a unique opportunity for junior researchers with a recent PhD degree in Physics or related fields to join one of DIPC’s high-profile research teams.

The role

New insights are being explored regarding the nature of dark matter using deep proprietary Imaging with JWST and HST, with an emphasis on micro-lensing of individual luminous stars within lensed galaxies. Forefront Space imaging data will be compared with substructure predictions of standard CDM and our pioneering cosmological simulations of light axionic dark matter that our team is engaged in. New and more definitive testsare envisaged, combining our theoretical predictions and experimental tests with JWST.

Desired background & competences

The candidate should have a physical cosmology background and PhD with experience of testing competing DM models and experience in reducing deep imaging data, including astrometry and photometry, and an ability to construct cluster lens models and with stellar synthesis codes.

Working conditions

  • Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
  • Target start date: 2025/11/01

We provide a highly stimulating research environment, and unique professional career development opportunities.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The center

DIPC is a research center whose mission is to perform and catalyze cutting-edge research in physics and related disciplines, as well as to convey scientific culture to society. Located in Donostia / San Sebastian (Basque Country, Spain), DIPC was born from a strategic alliance of both public institutions and private companies. Since 2008 DIPC is a 'Basque Excellence Research Center' (BERC) recognized by the Basque Government's Department of Education. In 2019, DIPC was also recognized as a "Severo Ochoa" Excellence Center by the Spanish Research Agency.

About the team

The team constitutes DIPS associate Tom Broadhurst, together with input from DIPC associate George Smoot and DIPC postdoc Dr. Alvaro Pozo and our international collaborators.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and a brief statement of interest to the following application email below. 

Reference letters are welcome but not indispensable.

The reference of the specific opening to which the candidate is applying should be stated in the subject line, and the application must be received before the application deadline.

Although candidates are welcome to contact the project supervisors to know further details about the proposed research activity, please be aware that the application will be evaluated only if it is submitted directly to the email address listed below as application email.

Selection process

Applications received by the deadline will be evaluated by a Committee designed by the DIPC board on the basis of the following criteria:

  • CV of the candidate (40%)
  • Adequacy of the candidate’s scientific background to the project (40%)
  • Reference letters (10%)
  • Other: Diversity in gender, race, nationality, etc. (10%)

Evaluation results will be communicated to the candidates soon after. Positions will only be filled if qualified candidates are found.

The DIPC may revoke its decision if the candidate fails to join by the appointed time, in which case the position will be awarded to the candidate with the next highest score, provided it is above 50 (out of 100).

However, the selected candidate may keep the position if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, the candidate duly justifies the reasons why he or she cannot join before the specified deadline, and as long as the project allows it.

The contract is part of the CEX2024-001491-S grant, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033

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