Descripción de la oferta
Open Position PhD Position for the Gamma-ray Group
Opening Date: July 22, 2026
Closing Date: Until Filled
About IFAE
The High Energy Physics Institute in Barcelona (IFAE) announces the opening of one 4-year PhD student position in the Gamma-ray group. IFAE is a worldwide-recognized center for fundamental research in Particle Physics, Astroparticle Physics and Cosmology, and provides an international, dynamic, and competitive environment for training of young researchers.
About The Gamma-ray Group
At the IFAE Gamma-ray Group we develop advanced detector technologies for future space gamma-ray observatories and play leading roles in several major international projects, including HERD, FOCUS, MAGIC, and CTA.
As a PhD student in our group, you will have the unique, multi-faceted opportunity to contribute directly to cutting-edge hardware developments, drive the scientific assessment and simulations of next-generation space mission concepts, and perform high-impact data analysis using the very first scientific data from the CTA LSTs.
Job profile and responsibilities
The PhD thesis will integrate both instrumentation R&D for future gamma-ray space missions and scientific data analysis using observations from current gamma-ray observatories.
The Successful Candidate Will Be Expected To
Contribute to the design, testing, and evaluation of instrumentation for future gamma-ray space missions.
Perform scientific analyses of data from gamma-ray observatories (MAGIC and/or CTA-LST) to study astrophysical sources and fundamental physics.
Develop simulation, reconstruction, and analysis tools supporting instrumentation studies and data analysis.
Actively participate in international scientific collaborations, presenting results and contributing to scientific publications.
Conduct original research leading to the completion of a PhD thesis in Gamma-Ray Astronomy.
Specific Requirements And Preferred Qualifications
Candidates must hold, by the start date of the contract, a Master’s degree in Physics or an equivalent qualification providing direct access to the PhD program in Physics at the Autonomous University of Barcelona.
A good command of spoken and written English is required.
Previous experience with scientific instrumentation will be considered an asset.
Experience with scientific programming (Python, C++, or similar languages) and data analysis tools is desirable.
Scientific and technical contributions in the fields of gamma-ray astronomy and/or space missions will be considered an asset.
What we offer
The successful candidate will enjoy a predoctoral grant as part of the predoctoral actions integrated in the framework of Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento 2023, funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Agencia Estatal de Investigación, FEDER and FSE (project code PID2023-146051NB-C21).
Contract conditions
Full-time contract (40 hours/week).
Predoctoral contract with a maximum duration of 48 months.
IFAE professional category: Investigador(a) predoctoral (R1).
Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications within the corresponding category range.
Additional funds covering the doctoral program fee and a 2–3 month research stay abroad.
Important: The selected candidate must be available to start no later than November 30, 2026.
The candidate will develop a PhD thesis on astroparticle physics data analysis as well as instrumentation and/or software development related to gamma-ray space missions, benefiting from close supervision, opportunities to attend international conferences and collaboration meetings, specialized training in instrumentation and data analysis, and access to a broad network of international collaborators.
Evaluation process
The Evaluation And Selection Process Guarantees The Principles Of Competition, Publicity, And Transparency. The Recruitment Process Follows An Open And Competitive Selection Procedure Carried Out According To The Following Criteria
Evaluation criteria Points
1. Academic and/or scientific-technical trajectory of the candidate Up to 50 Scientific-technical contributions (academic record and curricular merits) Up to 45 Mobility and internationalization Up to 5
2. Adequacy of the candidate to the research activities to be carried out
Up to 50
More information about the evaluation criteria can be found in Article 12 of the official call (in Spanish) .
A Selection Committee will evaluate the received applications. If more than one candidate seems equally suitable for the position, the Selection Committee may arrange an online interview as part of the selection process.
IFAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace and social integration of people with disabilities. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. People from groups that are typically underrepresented in the labour market in general and in Science and Engineering in particular, such as women, minorities, or people with disabilities, are particularly encouraged to apply.
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