Open Position PhD Position in Gamma-ray Astronomy

About IFAE

IFAE is an internationally recognized center for fundamental research in Particle Physics, Astroparticle Physics, and Cosmology. Its main mission is to advance these fields through theoretical, experimental, and technological research. IFAE offers an international, dynamic, and competitive environment for the training of young researchers. IFAE has been accredited three times with the “Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence” distinction, most recently for the 2025-2029 period.

About the IFAE Gamma-ray Astronomy group

The IFAE Gamma-ray Astronomy research group is a leader in the development and scientific exploitation of state-of-the-art, ground-based gamma-ray telescopes. As a key member of the MAGIC and CTAO-LST collaborations, the group develops critical hardware, software, and data management solutions. Our members are recognized experts in gamma-ray data analysis, with research spanning astrophysical phenomena and fundamental physics.

Building on this expertise, the group is expanding its focus to space-based missions. We are contributing to the High Energy cosmic-Radiation Detection (HERD) experiment, a next-generation detector for the Chinese Space Station. In parallel, we pursue R&D for future gamma-ray missions and play an active role in ESA proposals, including new-ASTROGAM, the envisioned successor to the Fermi-LAT satellite, and other compact mission concepts targeting complementary energy ranges.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Contribute to instrumentation and R&D for future space missions focusing on detector design, testing, and performance assessment.
• Conduct scientific analyses of data from ground-based gamma-ray telescopes (MAGIC, CTA-LST), including studies of astrophysical sources and fundamental physics.
• Develop reconstruction, simulation, analysis or data-management tools for gamma-ray astronomy.
• Participate actively in international scientific collaborations, presenting results and co-authoring scientific publications.
• Carry out original research leading to a PhD thesis in Gamma-ray Astronomy.

What we offer

We provide a comprehensive package designed to support your doctoral studies and launch your research career in a world-class institution. This includes:

• A 4-year, full-time predoctoral contract (40 hours/week).
• Salary corresponding to the “Investigador(a) predoctoral (R1)” IFAE professional category.
• Comprehensive training and development, including:
  • Access to unique scientific infrastructure (e.g. CERN, Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos).
  • Hands-on training in cutting-edge techniques, from detector R&D to advanced data analysis and machine learning.
  • Attendance to international schools and workshops.
  • Development of transferable skills in scientific communication, project management, and writing.
• Opportunities to present your work at international conferences and undertake research stays at collaborating institutions worldwide.
• A world-class research environment: As a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence, IFAE provides a dynamic, international setting. You will join a leading research group and collaborate with top scientists through our involvement in major international scientific projects.
• An exceptional location: IFAE is located on the UAB university campus in the vibrant and cosmopolitan Barcelona metropolitan area, offering an outstanding quality of life.
• This is a unique opportunity to contribute to fundamental research while developing the skills needed for a successful future in academia or industry.

Requirements to apply and evaluation criteria

To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the requirements for enrollment in the UAB doctoral program for the 2025/2026 academic year. Key requirements include:

• Holding a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics or a related field.
• Holding a Master’s degree in Physics, Astrophysics, or a related field, which must be completed by the contract start date.
• We are looking for candidates with a strong background in physics, a keen interest in both data analysis and instrumentation, a pro-active attitude and good communication skills. While not mandatory, previous experience in programming (especially Python or C++), data analysis, and laboratory work will be considered as valuable assets.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Evaluation process:

The process of evaluation and selection guarantees the principles of open competition, publicity and transparency, according to the following criteria:

• 1: Academic and/or scientific-technical trajectory of the candidate (up to 50 points):
  • 1.1 Scientific-technical contributions (up to 45 points): The academic record and other curricular merits of the candidate.
  • 1.2 Mobility and internationalization (up to 5 points): The relevance and impact on the candidate’s research career stays in national and international centers and / or in the industrial sector.
• 2: Adequacy of the candidate to the research activities to be carried out (up to 50 points).

A Selection Committee will evaluate the received applications. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to give a brief online presentation, followed by a Q&A with the committee.

Application submission:

Interested candidates should submit the application to jrico@ifae.es and rrhh@ifae.es with the reference IFAE2025/30_GAMMA-RAYS_SO_PhDStudent. The application should include a letter of motivation, full CV, transcripts of Bachelor’s and Master’s studies, and one or two reference letters. All applications received within one month of the opening date will receive full consideration.

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

Funding Statement

Esta plaza está financiada en el marco de la acreditación Severo Ochoa de IFAE CEX2024-001441-S (2025–2028), concedida por el MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.