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PhD engineer for the Evaluation and Prediction of Light Pollution in Catalonia Using Mathematical Modelling
The Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC) was established in February 1996 as a private non-profit foundation (NPO) to promote R&D in the space field in Catalonia. The IEEC is a research institute that studies all areas of knowledge and technologies applied to the space sector and space sciences, including astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, Earth observation, navigation and space engineering. Its mission is to push the frontiers of space research from the scientific and technological fields for the maximum benefit of society. It should also be noted that the Foundation is attached to the Generalitat de Catalunya (Catalan Government) and forms part of its institutional public sector due to the fact that the Generalitat has a majority involvement in the entity.
Introduction
Light pollution, understood as the alteration of the natural brightness of the sky due to artificial light sources, is one of the modern environmental problems that has increased most significantly in recent times. State-of-the-art mathematical models of light propagation allow us to evaluate and predict light pollution over a wide area. These models use an inventory of artificial lights, the orography of the territory and other variables to predict the sky's brightness at a given location.
The goal of the current project is to apply one of these mathematical models to Catalonia, using various inventories of light (both current and potential future ones). The result will be a set of maps depicting light pollution in Catalonia under different lighting scenarios. The study will be conducted across different spectroscopic bands.
Our team at the University of Barcelona (IEEC - ICCUB) has extensive experience in light pollution studies. This work is commissioned by the Servei de Prevenció i Control de la Contaminació Acústica i Lumínica under a public contract between the IEEC and the Departament d'Acció Climàtica, Alimentació i Agenda Rural of the Generalitat de Catalunya.
Description of position
- Position: 1. PhD Engineer for the Evaluation and Prediction of Light Pollution in Catalonia Using Mathematical Modelling
- Professional group: Group III. Scientific staff
- Professional category: Research Scientist
- Working hours: 27,5 hours/week
- Working location: Institute of Cosmos Sciences (Technological Unit) located in the Barcelona Science Park, Carrer Baldiri Reixac 4-8, Torre D planta 4, 08028 Barcelona
Functions
The selected candidate will have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Deploy, run and modify (if needed) the software to predict and evaluate the light pollution.
- Verify and analyse the outputs of the software.
- Help in the preparation of the reports, including the generation of maps.
- Demonstrate ability to debug, troubleshoot, and isolate software issues.
- Develop plans, specifications, etc.
- Work well both independently and as part of a team
Participation requirements and selection criteria
The following criteria will be assessed during the selection process:
- Trainning
- PhD in engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related field.
- Experience:
- People highly motivated to work in a multidisciplinary environment on an outstanding project.
- Experience in light pollution studies, particularly in light propagation models.
- Expertise in Linux, especially shell scripting and system administration.
- Expertise in Python.
- Good English proficiency.
- Minimum 2 years of experience after obtained the PhD.
The following aspects will be considered desirable merits:
- Working knowledge of high-performance computing environments is a plus.
- Work experience in software and/or systems engineering is a plus.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
Contact and deadline
Interested persons who meet the established requirements can send the personal curriculum in PDF format, signed as certification, with a brief description of the tasks carried out in the positions previously occupied, to the email address: RecursosHumans@ieec.cat indicating the reference "Surnames and Name – OF_IEEC_155_2024" in the subject line of the email.
The reception of applications ends on
Selection procedure
Initially, a verification of the requirements of participation and study of the curriculum will be carried out to assess aspects related to the job to be covered. Next, a first selection of candidates will be made based on the curriculum contributed.
The shortlisted candidates will be called to a personal interview and/or a test to expand the detailed information in the curriculum and assessed aspects related to professional competences.
Interested persons must have the originals of the certificates accrediting the training and work experience mentioned in the curriculum and must submit them if required.