Open Position Postdoctoral Position in Gravitational Waves Physics

The Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) in Barcelona is looking for a motivated and talented candidate to pursue a postdoctoral research project within its Gravitational Waves (GWs) research group. The group is involved in the operating ground-based LIGO and Virgo experiments and in the preparation of the next generation Einstein Telescope and Cosmic Explorer detectors.

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.

About the IFAE Gravitational Waves group

The detection of GWs from a black hole binary merger by LIGO in 2015 started a new era in the exploration of the universe. The addition of the Virgo antenna into the network led in 2017 to the detection of a neutron star binary merger that could be followed in electromagnetic signals, representing the beginning of multi-messenger astronomy. At the moment, LIGO and Virgo observation plans extend until 2030 with upgraded detectors. At the same time, work is beginning on the development of the third generation of detectors which will offer an order of magnitude increase in sensitivity.

The ET project, a third-generation experiment to be realized in Europe, has been included in the 2021 EU ESFRI roadmap and has recently entered into the preparatory phase. CE is the planned US contribution to the third-generation GW network, with significant funding from the US NSF and the UK’s STFC for design studies.

IFAE is a member institution of the LVK collaboration. A group of researchers from IFAE has taken significant responsibilities in the Virgo experiment related to the control of the stray light inside the experiment, which is considered a limiting factor for its sensitivity. The group plays an important role in the commissioning, operations and upgrade of the interferometer. For the latter, IFAE is leading the construction of new baffles instrumented with photo sensors around the test masses.

IFAE is actively participating in ET, coordinates the EU Horizon INFRA-DEV project for the ET preparatory phase, and has central responsibilities in the design of the stray light control systems. In addition, IFAE is deeply involved in the detector R&D and optical simulation activities of ET and CE. IFAE works with CERN in the design of the ET vacuum pipes.

The IFAE 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.

IFAE is supported by its own PIC computing center, a Tier1 LHC center fully integrated into the LIGO/Virgo distributed computing network. IFAE is in a privileged position to analyze the LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA data and, in collaboration with IFAE’s teams in CTA/MAGIC and Observational Cosmology, to fully profit from a multi-messenger approach.

IFAE welcomes applications from outstanding candidates with experience on the GW detector design and operations or/and on the physics analysis of the GW data. She/he will be expected to play a central role in one of the group’s detector-related activities and in the physics analysis of the LVK data and preparatory studies for the next generation experiments.

Required skills and evaluation criteria

The successful candidate will be expected to have:

• PhDin Physics
• Internationally recognized experience on research using the LIGO-Virgo data and Gamma-Ray astronomy with MAGIC/CTA
• Good computing skills in python and good communication skills in English.
• Proven experience in Gamma-Rays and Gravitational Wave physics and related technologies.

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

• Research records and international visibility: 30 points
• Computing and Technical Skills: 30 points
• Experience on physics analysis: 30 points
• Communication skills in English: 10 points

What will be your role?

As a postdoctoral researcher she/he will get involved in one of the group’s detector-related activities including LV data characterization, optical simulation studies, or the active monitoring of the stray light inside the LV optical cavities with new photo sensors in an ultra-high vacuum environment. She/he will also be deeply involved in the physics analysis of the LIGO-Virgo data. She/he will also contribute to multimessenger aspects related to the understanding of Gamma-Rays and CTA.

Offered contract

• Temporal Contract
• The position will correspond to “Postdoctoral Researcher” within the professional categories of the IFAE.
• Full-time contracts (40h/week).
• Salary will be proportional to experience and qualifications within the corresponding category range.
• The selected candidates are expected to join the IFAE on November 2025.

Application and Selection process

Applicants should have a PhD in Physics and provide a motivation letter, a CV and arrange for two letters of reference, sent mmp@ifae.es and rrhh@ifae.es and including in the subject “IFAE2025/42_GW_ Postdoc”. 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. For further information please contact: 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

Funding Statement