Postdoctoral Research Position in Gravitational Lensing at IFCA, Santander

We invite applications for a two-year postdoctoral research position within the funded project GRACE – GRavitational lensing Across scales to probe dark matter and the Cosmic Expansion (PID2025-168678NB-I00; PIs: Ana Acebron and José María Diego).

The Research
The successful applicant will join the Observational Cosmology and Instrumentation group at the Instituto de Física de Cantabria (IFCA), a joint research institute of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the University of Cantabria, located in Santander, Spain.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to contribute to several aspects of the project, including:

strong-lensing analyses of galaxy clusters;
time-delay cosmography;
analysis of high-resolution imaging and spectroscopic observations from facilities including JWST, HST, Euclid, VLT and GTC.

Previous experience in gravitational lensing and imaging or spectroscopic data analysis is highly desirable. Candidates with experience in lens modelling, galaxy clusters, time-delay cosmography, or the analysis of HST/JWST/VLT/GTC data are particularly encouraged to apply. The selected applicant will also have ample opportunities to co-supervise Bachelor and Master students. The position includes generous funding for international conference participation and research stays.
Position and salary
The appointment, expected to begin in spring 2027 (negotiable), is for two years. Applicants should have completed their PhD by the application deadline. The gross, monthly salary is approximately 3500 €. Full health insurance is provided through the Spanish public health system for the researcher and their dependents.
Application Instructions
Applicants should send, in a single file, a CV, publication list, and a (maximum 3-page) statement of research interests to ana.acebron@unican.es by Oct. 30, 2026. They should also arrange for two reference letters to be sent directly to the same email address by the application deadline.

For further information or informal inquiries about the position and the research project, please contact ana.acebron@unican.es.
Observational Cosmology and Instrumentation
Webpage for the IFCA cosmology group
ifca-cosmology.github.io

IFCA | Instituto de Física de Cantabria
The University of Cantabria is one of the first nine Spanish universities that have been awarded as 'International Excellence Campus'.
ifca.unican.es

ifca-cosmology.github.io
Observational Cosmology and Instrumentation
Webpage for the IFCA cosmology group
ifca-cosmology.github.io

ifca.unican.es
IFCA | Instituto de Física de Cantabria
The University of Cantabria is one of the first nine Spanish universities that have been awarded as 'International Excellence Campus'.
ifca.unican.es