Graduate student to join the project Surface Composition of primitive objects in the Solar Syst[...]

European Commission; España; Presencial; EUR 25.000 - 35.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The Institute for Space Science and Technology of Asturias seeks motivated PhD candidates in Physics or Mathematics to conduct research on small Solar System bodies. The role involves literature review, infrared spectral analysis, and collaboration in international research groups, offering a stimulating environment in Asturias.

Servicios

Access to top-tier scientific data

Research stays abroad

Comprehensive interdisciplinary training

Formación

• Candidates should possess a Bachelor degree in Physics, Mathematics, or a related field.
• A Master in Astrophysics or similar is required.
• Good command of English is necessary.

Responsabilidades

• Conduct literature reviews on Solar System materials.
• Apply infrared analysis techniques using data from JWST.
• Develop light-scattering models of planetary surfaces.

Conocimientos

Infrared spectral analysis

Literature review

Research collaboration

Educación

Bachelor in Physics

Master in Astrophysics

Descripción del empleo

Organisation/Company UNIOVI Department Oficina de Proyectos Europeos Research Field Astronomy Researcher Profile Other Profession Positions Master Positions Country Spain Application Deadline 21 Jul 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37.5 Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number SEK-25-GRU-GIC-24-029 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

We are seeking highly motivated students with a background in Physics, in the joint degree of Physics and Mathematics, or similar area of knowledge to join an exciting PhD project focused on studying the primitive small bodies of the Solar System, including asteroids and trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). This research aims to understand the physical processes that shape the surfaces of these bodies, leveraging state-of-the-art data and collaborating with renowned international research networks.

Main tasks and objectives:

• Conduct a thorough review of the most recent literature on icy and non-icy primitive materials in the Solar System.
• Learn and apply infrared spectral analysis techniques to study Solar System bodies, using data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) as well as ground-based telescopes such as the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC) at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory and the Two Two-meter Twin telescopes at the Teide Observatory.
• Develop and implement light-scattering models of planetary surfaces based on Hapke theory, applying them to JWST spectra of small Solar System bodies.
• Participate in regular telematic meetings of the international DiSCo and KBO/GTO collaborations, as well as in national and international conferences.
• Integrate into the DiSCo-TNOs and ESSTE-Webb research groups, both led by the PhD supervisor and composed of internationally recognized researchers.

We offer:

• Integration in the observational group of the Institute of Space Science and Technology of Asturias (ICTEA), Universidad de Oviedo, Spain.
• The opportunity to join a well-established team with access to top-tier scientific data and cutting-edge resources.
• The possibility to conduct research stays abroad and participate in impactful international collaborations.
• Comprehensive interdisciplinary training in planetary physics, spectroscopy, and physical modeling of planetary surfaces.
• A stimulating working environment in Asturias, a region offering exceptional quality of life and surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.

This opportunity is open to Spanish and international students interested in relocating to Asturias and engaging in innovative planetary science research at the Institute for Space Science and Technology of Asturias, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain. If you have scientific curiosity, enthusiasm, and the drive to contribute to our understanding of the origins and evolution of these pristine Solar System bodies, we look forward to hearing from you.

Bachelor degree in Physics, in the joint program of Physics and Mathematics or similar. Master in Astrophysics or similar.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Research Field Physics

Additional Information

Eligibility criteria

Bachelor and Master degree.

Selection process

Resume evaluation and personal interview.