Deadline for applications: 30 September 2025

Location: IAA-CSIC, Granada (Spain)

Contract: Full-time, 3-4 years (extension possible), competitive salary aligned with CSIC postdoctoral scales. Start date flexible, with preference for the earliest possible start.

The AMIGA group (Analysis of the interstellar Medium of Isolated Galaxies) at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC) is seeking a motivated and collaborative researcher with a strong background in radio interferometry and neutral hydrogen (HI) studies of galaxies, interested in advancing both scientific research and infrastructure developments. Leadership and initiative are highly valued, as this position plays a central role in shaping the group’s scientific priorities. The successful candidate will carry out their research within the Spanish SKA Regional Centre (espSRC), thereby contributing to the development of services and tools by providing scientific use cases, thus helping to prepare the community for future SKA science. Specific responsibilities and focus areas may be adjusted according to the candidate’s experience and shared interests.

Role:

•  Lead and carry out research on HI data analysis in galaxies using SKA precursors/pathfinders.

•  Provide scientific use cases and feedback for espSRC development to optimise analysis and archive services.

•  Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams within AMIGA and the espSRC.

•  Contribute to national and international collaborations in SKA-related HI science.

Profile:

•  PhD in Astronomy with postdoctoral experience.

•  Proven experience in HI data analysis, galaxy evolution and radio interferometry.

•  Ability to guide and shape the development of analysis and archive services to enhance the espSRC platform.

•  Strong motivation to work on SKA-related science and infrastructure.

•  Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary and international team.

Desirable Skills:

•  Experience with SKA pathfinder/precursor data (MeerKAT, ASKAP, VLA, etc.).

•  Use of simulations for interpretation of HI data.

•  Software development for scientific applications.

•  Familiarity with tools and services in distributed computing environments.

•  Advanced visualisation techniques.

The position is based at the IAA-CSIC in Granada, a historic, vibrant city at the foot of the Sierra Nevada and a short drive from the Mediterranean coast. The successful candidate will join the AMIGA group (~20 people), which integrates scientists, computational scientists, engineers, astroinformaticians, and communication and management staff. Led by Lourdes Verdes-Montenegro (PI of the AMIGA project – Analysis of the interstellar Medium of Isolated Galaxies), the group conducts research on galaxy evolution in extreme environments from a multiwavelength perspective, with emphasis on the atomic gas (HI) component using SKA precursors and pathfinders, and applying Open Science principles. We coordinate Spain’s scientific and technological participation in the SKA and lead the development of the espSRC, the first SKA Regional Centre prototype to be accredited internationally within the SRC Network. The AMIGA group is also a member of the SKA Communications and Outreach Network, leading outreach activities in Spain (e.g. contribution to the SKA Strategic Communication Plan, participation in radio/TV interviews, presentations to the general public, and event organisation).

Spain is a full member of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), which guarantees observing time for Spanish institutions once SKA telescopes are operational. The project is currently commissioning its first antenna arrays and preparing for the Early Science phase, expected around 2027. In the meantime, SKA precursors and pathfinders –such as MeerKAT and ASKAP– are already delivering unprecedented results across many areas of astrophysics, acting as both infrastructure testbeds and training grounds for the scientific community. The SRC Network is an international alliance of distributed centres that will host SKA data and support the global user community. This network integrates centres –such as the espSRC– that will provide data access, processing resources, software tools, training, and user support to enable effective scientific exploitation of SKA data.

To apply, please send the following documents to lourdes@iaa.es:

•  Curriculum Vitae.

•  Cover letter outlining research interests and suitability for the job, and outline what science you would like to develop within the framework of the SKA/espSRC (max 2 pages).

•  Three letters of recommendation.

Equal Opportunities: The AMIGA group fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and dynamic work environment, with members from diverse scientific, social, and cultural backgrounds. IAA-CSIC is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, or nationality, and provide reasonable accommodations for candidates with specific ne