Postdoctoral Researcher in Extragalactic Astronomy for the ARRAKIHS Mission Centro de Astrofísica da Universidade do Porto in Portugal

Centro de Astrofísica da Universidade do Porto (CAUP), in the context of the Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço (IA), is recruiting one postdoctoral researcher for an international call in Extragalactic Astronomy. The successful candidate will join the ARRAKIHS mission (Analysis of Resolved Remnants of Accreted Galaxies as a Key Instrument for Halo Surveys), a European Space Agency F-class mission supported through PRODEX, and will work as the Instrument Operations and Science Data Centre (IOSDC) Scientist.

The role is highly mission-facing and combines science, operations, and community support. The researcher will be the main point of contact for Science Ground Segment science implementation matters, act as the primary interface between the ARRAKIHS Science Committee, Science Working Team, science teams, and the IOSDC, and support the Science Operations Centre with documentation, tools, and guidance. Responsibilities also include final validation of IOSDC scientific data products, scientific advice on observation verification reports, and coordination of observations and data analysis related to the ARRAKIHS on-ground demonstrator at the Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre in Spain.

The position is based at CAUP in Porto, Portugal, and offers a full-time contract (35 hours/week). The gross monthly remuneration is 2408.11 EUR. Funding is currently secured until December 2028, with a possible extension until December 2030 depending on continued approval. The preferred starting date is October 2026, subject to the contract entering into force with ESA/PRODEX.

Eligibility is restricted to candidates holding a PhD in Astronomy/Astrophysics or a related area, with demonstrated expertise in extragalactic astronomy. Applicants must also show competence in at least three of the following areas: telescope operations and analysis of extragalactic datasets; user and community support for astronomical observations; operation of scientific data centres or equivalent structures; calibration, quality control and validation of astronomical data products; software development for astronomy/data processing, including Python and C; and use of GNU Astronomy Utilities (Gnuastro). A Category B driving licence is mandatory. Candidates with foreign doctorates must complete the required recognition procedures before contract signing.

The call is open from 14 September 2026 to 19 October 2026. Applications must include a cover letter, PhD certificate/diploma, structured CV, supporting documents, a short account of the most relevant scientific and technological activities, and contact details for up to two referees. Selection is based on the quality, relevance, and up-to-dateness of the candidate’s scientific and curricular record, with particular emphasis on research experience, scientific production, operating astronomical facilities, and user support experience.

This is a postdoctoral opportunity in astronomy with strong links to mission operations, data validation, and scientific coordination within an international space-science collaboration.