Open Position Research positions for the IFAE Gamma-ray group

About IFAE

The Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) is a public consortium of the Generalitat de Catalunya (the Autonomous Government of Catalonia, Spain) and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB, a public university) whose main objective is to carry out research and to contribute to the development of high energy physics from a theoretical, experimental and technological point of view. IFAE has the status of a “University Institute" attached to the UAB and its premises are within the campus of the University.

About Gamma-ray group

The gamma-ray astrophysics group at IFAE has a leading role in the construction and commissioning of the four large-size telescopes (LSTs) of CTA-North. In particular, IFAE has led the coordination, design and integration of the LST cameras. The LSTs are 23-m diameter dish telescopes, the first of them already in operation at the Observatorio el Roque de los Muchachos (ORM). The construction of the other three LSTs is on-going. Regular operations with four LSTs are foreseen to start in 2026. IFAE also coordinates the development of the analysis software for the LST and is a contributor to the Data Processing and Preservation System work package of CTA, in the areas of calibration and event reconstruction pipelines. IFAE is also one of the founding members of the MAGIC collaboration, which successfully operates the twin MAGIC gamma-ray telescopes at the ORM since 2003. IFAE designed and built the camera of the first MAGIC telescope together with a significant part of the data acquisition electronics for both MAGIC telescopes. Our group is also responsible for the science data center of the MAGIC collaboration, located at the neighboring Port d’Informació Cientìfica (PIC). We are also very active on science exploitation, participating in all MAGIC physics working groups and leading several of the first scientific results produced with LST data.

Required skills and evaluation criteria

The successful candidate will be expected to have:

• A PhD or equivalent degree in physics, required to be considered for this position.
• Strong programming skills (C++, root and Python), and previous experience in data analysis with Cherenkov telescopes are also required.
• Experience in management of large data volumes and in gamma-ray phenomenology of evaporating black holes are desirable
• The candidate needs to possess excellent English oral and written communication skills.

The evaluation criteria and their weighting for the submitted applications will be the following:

• Scientific excellence based on the CV.
• Previous experience: 50 points.

What will be your role?

The successful candidate will perform the analysis of MAGIC data archive in search for signals of primordial black hole evaporation and will lead the publication of the obtained results in the corresponding MAGIC Collaboration scientific article. The time estimated to fulfil the tasks is 3 months.

Offered contract:

One position. Part-time (32h/week). Flexible schedule. Work with interesting experimental science. Opportunity to gain experience learning first-hand. Personal growth, innovation, and learning every day. Gross salary and contract duration: 2133€/month during 3 months

Application and Selection process:

Applications should be submitted to Dr. Javier Rico (jrico@ifae.es ) stating the job reference (IFAE_2024_24) as the subject of the message. The mail should include a brief motivation letter, an updated CV, and the arrangement for at least one letter of reference.

Sending CVs to the above addresses implies consent to the IFAE’s legal warning on data privacy.

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.

A Selection Committee will evaluate the received applications. If more than one candidate seems equally suitable for the position, the Selection Committee will arrange an on-line interview with each one of them as part of the Selection process.

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.

You may contact Dr. Javier Rico (jrico@ifae.es ) for any questions related to this job opening.