Open Position Postdoctoral position at the IFAE Gamma-ray Group within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan – Funded by the European Union – Next Generation.

Who we are

IFAE is a worldwide-recognized center for fundamental research in physics, including Particle Physics, Astroparticle Physics and Cosmology. The IFAE Gamma-ray group has a vast expertise in technical and scientific aspects of gamma-ray astronomy, participating with a leading role in the MAGIC telescopes and the CTA observatory projects. Since 2020, we are also involved in the High Energy cosmic-Radiation Detection (HERD) project for the construction of a next-generation cosmic ray detector in the Chinese Space Station (CSS). HERD has been proposed by China, Italy, Switzerland, and Spain and will start operating at around 2027, for at least 10 years. HERD main scientific goals are the search for signatures of dark matter particles; the determination of the physical mechanisms producing the knee structure in the cosmic ray spectrum; and providing continuous, wide field-of-view monitoring of the high-energy gamma-ray sky above few 10s MeV. Our group is responsible for providing the electronics for the low-energy gamma-ray trigger and the assessment of the detector’s capabilities for gamma-ray astronomy.

What we are looking for

A doctor (PhD) or equivalent degree in physics. Previous experience in space missions and particle physics detectors/electronics are mandatory. Good knowledge of python and/or C++ will be positively evaluated. The candidate needs to possess excellent English communication skills and group-work capabilities, as well as availability to travel. W

What will be your role

The successful applicant will be involved in: Design and development of the electronics system for HERD’s low-energy gamma-ray trigger. Tests of the electronics system for the low-energy gamma-ray trigger at IFAE lab and CERN beam tests. Development of the software tools for simulations of the trigger system response to the different particle species in the CSS orbit. Assessment of HERD capabilities in the study of transient gamma-ray sources.

What we offer

1 post-doc position.
2-year, full-time (40h/week) contract with competitive salary commensurate with the successful candidate experience. There will be a trial period of 6 months. Developing your research career in an international space project. Integration in an international, dynamic, and competitive environment for training of young researchers. Opportunities for exploiting synergies with other research fields in High-energy Physics and Astrophysics.

The selection process

Applications, composed of an expression of interest and the candidate’s CV, should be submitted to jobs@ifae.es . The applicant should also arrange for 2 or 3 letters of recommendation to be submitted directly by the referrers to the same address. IFAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace and social integration of people with a disability. 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 a disability, are particularly encouraged to apply. In compliance with article 121 of the Spanish Public Sector Legal Regime Act, staff with a pre-existing relationship with the Consortium administration (Generalitat de Catalunya and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) will have priority in the awarding of the position.

Funding

This contract is part of the project Advanced technologies for the exploration of the Universe and its components, of the area of Astrophysics and High Energy Physics, within the frame of the R&D&I Complementary Plans of the Spanish Government that are part component 17 of the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism. This project is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU and by the Department of Research and Universities of the Catalan Government.