Descripción de la oferta
CSIC - Institute of Astrophysics of Andalucia (IAA - CSIC) Organisation/Company CSIC - Institute of Astrophysics of Andalucia (IAA - CSIC) Department Solar System Research Field Physics » Computational physics Geosciences » Other Mathematics » Applied mathematics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 24 May 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37.5 Offer Starting Date 1 Nov 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description The Institute for Astrophysics of Andalusia (IAA) is seeking excellent, motivated candidates to pursue a PhD in High-Energy Atmospheric Electricity . Thunderstorms in Earth’s atmosphere host a wide variety of electrical phenomena that are not yet fully understood. Among these is the acceleration of electrons to mega-electronvolt energies and the production of positrons and gamma-ray photons. This process may be essential for understanding how conditions within a thundercloud lead to the initiation of a lightning flash, and may play a role in determining the global atmospheric impact of thunderclouds. GRAIL ( Gamma-Radiation in our Atmosphere for Investigation and Learning ) is an EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral training network for research and training in High-Energy Atmospheric Electricity. It provides a collaborative environment including periodic schools and courses for doctoral candidates. More information at . The IAA is part of Spain’s largest public research institution, the Consejo Superior de Investiga- ciones Científicas (CSIC), and has been recognised twice with the prestigious Severo Ochoa seal of excellence. Located in the historic city of Granada, the institute benefits from a vibrant acad- emic environment and proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Alhambra and the Generalife. Project 2 — Machine learning for energetic-particle transport in thunderstorms This project explores machine-learning (ML) techniques to accelerate the numerical simula- tion of the generation and transport of energetic particles in thunderstorm environments. Ac- tive thunderclouds contain significant populations of electrons, photons, and positrons with energies exceeding several mega-electronvolts. Investigating these particles and their inter- actions with the electric environment is possible through computational modelling; however, the large number of particles and their long-range interactions make direct numerical simula- tion computationally challenging. The project will examine whether modern ML techniques— such as surrogate modelling for parts of the physical process—can improve simulation effi- ciency without sacrificing reliability or interpretability. Note that another project is also available at IAA for interested candidates. You can also specify in your application that you are interested in both projects indicating your order of preference. Where to apply E-mail Requirements Research Field Physics » Computational physics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent Research Field Mathematics » Computational mathematics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent Research Field Computer science » Other Education Level Master Degree or equivalent Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent Additional Information Contracts are offered for three years , with an expected starting date around November 2026 . Living allowance: Gross 3,110 EUR/month (adjusted by EU correction coefficient for Spain, 97.6 %) Mobility allowance: 600 EUR/month. Family allowance: 500 EUR/month (subject to family status) The salary is subject to local taxes, social contributions, and other deductions in accordance with Spanish regulations. Eligibility criteria We seek motivated and outstanding candidates holding a Master’s degree in Physics (preferred), Mathematics, or Engineering. Applications from Master’s students are also welcome, provided the degree is completed before the starting date. Candidates will be particularly valued for their ability to develop and understand scientific numerical codes, including experience with programming languages such as Julia, Python, and Fortran. According to EU mobility requirements, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Spain for more than 12 months in the three years immediately prior to the recruitment date. Short stays such as holidays or compulsory national service are not taken into account. Candidates who do not satisfy the mobility requirement are encouraged to consider other positions within the GRAIL network at . Updated curriculum vitae Cover letter Contact details of three references that may be contacted Work Location(s) Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA-CSIC) Country Spain State/Province Granada City Granada Postal Code 18008 Geofield #J-18808-Ljbffr
