Open Position Research Software Engineer position at IFAE

About IFAE

The Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) is a public consortium of the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Autonomous Government of Catalonia, 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 PIC

Port d’Informació Científica (PIC) is a scientific-technological center specialized in developing advanced tools and methods for scientific data analysis. We participate in research projects across multiple disciplines with challenging data environments, including particle physics, astrophysics, biology, materials science, and others. Our main objective is to accelerate research by making data analysis more effective through the use of Machine Learning, High-Throughput Computing, and Big Data techniques, using distributed computing to support collaborative research. PIC operates through a collaboration agreement between CIEMAT and IFAE research centers. PIC was initially established to participate at the highest level in the data system of CERN’s Large Hadron Collider in Geneva. It is one of the 14 Tier-1 centers worldwide. Moreover, PIC collaborates in research projects in optical galaxy surveys (DES, PAU, Euclid, DESI, DESC-LSST), gamma-ray astronomy (MAGIC, CTA) and gravitational wave astronomy (LIGO, Virgo, Einstein Telescope). Multi-Messenger astronomy is based on the simultaneous recording and interpretation of various signals from space. Therefore PIC is in a unique position to exploit synergies and accelerate multi-messenger astronomy analyses by developing tools and methods that combine the data coming from the different instruments.

About LIGO-Virgo Group

IFAE is a member institution of both the LIGO and Virgo collaborations. IFAE is an active participant in the development of Einstein Telescope (ET), and coordinates the EU Horizon INFRA-DEV project for the ET preparatory phase. Our research program spans many topics in astrophysics and cosmology using LIGO-Virgo data. This includes searches for compact binary coalescence events and determining their mass/spin spectrum, for primordial black holes as candidates for dark matter, and for axion-like signals in continuous GW signals. We perform tests of exotic models for Gravity beyond General Relativity, and cosmological measurements using GWs such as Hubble constant and probes of inflation and phase transitions in the early universe. We are developing new data analysis methods like the use of deep learning and the use of robust statistics. This work is naturally extended to studying physics prospects for the next generation of detectors.

Job Description

You will work as a software engineer at PIC, closely collaborating with the IFAE gravitational-wave group and remotely with the LIGO Scientific Collaboration and the IGWN Computing and Software Group. Your job will consist in:

• Supporting our group’s research in gravitational waves
• Supporting the development of new data analysis and signal processing methods, or applications of machine learning
• Providing computing support for the LIGO Scientific Collaboration
• Supporting high-throughput computing workflows and large-scale data distribution at PIC and on the LIGO clusters
• Collaborating with the PIC computer engineers

Competencies and Qualifications Required

You will have the support of the Operations and Services teams at PIC and access to their expert knowledge in production services and systems administration. In turn, we expect from you:

• Excellent grades
• Experience in programming languages; our main language is Python but others like system or web languages are a plus
• Experience with software development tools and version control systems.
• Knowledge of high-throughput computing and workflow management
• Familiarity with data analysis techniques and tools
• Good English knowledge
• Ability to document protocols and procedures clearly and concisely

Experience in any of the following is a plus

• Git, CI/CD
• HTCondor and the Open Science Grid
• Machine learning for scientific applications
• Code optimization and/or numerical methods

Degree and area of specialization

Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology or System administration

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

• Scientific excellence based on the CV and possible recommendation letters: 20 points
• Adequacy and interest for the offered position: 40 points
• Previous experience on the field: 30 points
• Previous exposure to international environment: 10 points

Offered contract

• Full-time contract (40 h/week)
• Duration: 2 years
• Contract: Indefinido Actividades Científico Técnicas
• The position will correspond to an Engineer.
• Salary will be proportional to experience and qualifications within the corresponding category range.
• Work with interesting experimental science. Opportunity to gain first-hand learning experience. Personal growth, innovation and learning every day.
• The selected candidate is expected to join the IFAE as soon as possible.

Application and Selection process

Candidates should provide an expression of interest, a CV, and arrange for three letters of reference, sent by email to pic.jobs@pic.es and rrhh@ifae.es and including in the subject “2025/11_LIGO-Virgo_PIC_engineer”.

For further information please contact: Prof. Andrew Lundgren (alundgren@ifae.es ) Prof. Mario Martínez (mmp@ifae.es )

www.ifae.es 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 Statement