Postdoctoral Research Position in Galactic and Local Group Astrophysics

CEFCA invites applications for a 1.5-year postdoctoral position (ending no later than Aug 2028) within the project "Resolved stellar populations to unveil the Milky Way and Local Group assembly." The successful candidate will work under Dr. Borja Anguiano and Dr. Carlos López San Juan to develop methodologies for inferring fundamental stellar parameters and chemical abundances using the unique multi-filter systems of the Javalambre Observatory.

The Project & Role:

The researcher will primarily focus on the J-ATLAS project, a legacy program mapping M31 and M33 using the J-PLUS and J-PAS filter systems. Key responsibilities include:

• Exploiting narrow- and medium-band photometry to characterize stellar populations at scale.
• Delivering science-ready catalogues for the J-ATLAS mapping of Andromeda and Triangulum.
• Integrating data with major surveys (Gaia, APOGEE, WEAVE, etc.) for calibration and joint analysis.
• Leading independent research using CEFCA’s world-class datasets.

Facilities:

Based in Teruel, CEFCA operates the Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre (OAJ), featuring the 2.5m JST250 (JPCam, 54 filters) and the 83cm JAST80. The center is also a core member of the ESA ARRAKIHS mission.

Requirements:

• PhD in Astronomy/Astrophysics with expertise in Milky Way or Local Group stellar populations.
• Strong programming skills (Python) and experience with large astronomical catalogues.
• Experience deriving stellar parameters ($T_{eff}$, $\log g$, $[Fe/H]$) from photometry or spectroscopy.

Terms:

• Salary: €33,500 – €35,500 (gross) depending on experience.
• Benefits: Flexible hours, 20% remote work, and access to Spanish/ESO observing time.