Open Position PhD 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 PhD 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 da ta and, in collaboration with IFAE’s teams in CTA/MAGIC and Observational Cosmology, to fully profit from a multi-messenger approach. As a PhD student in our group, you 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. You will also be deeply involved in the physics analysis of the LIGO-Virgo data, in one or more of the subjects described above. In addition, and within the framework of IFAE’s GW research activities, you will be offered significant training and networking opportunities, including extended stays of research in top-level international research centres in Europe and USA.

Required skills and evaluation criteria

The successful candidate will be expected to have:

• A Master’s degree in Physics or satisfy the requirements to be admitted in the Physics PhD program of the UAB (https://www.uab.cat/en/phds/physics) , before the start of the grant.
• Basic knowledge on Gravitation.
• Solid foundation in physics, prior research experience, and knowledge of core methodologies in the field of gravitational waves.
• Technical skills such as proficiency in research methods, programming and data analysis.
• Communication skills (writing, presenting)
• Soft skills such as independence and self-motivation, resilience and the ability to work in large collaborations.

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

• Grades in BsC and MsC: 50 points
• Proficiency in the English language: 10 points
• Programming and computing skills: 20 points
• Research experience, letters of reference and interview: 20 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.

What will be your role?

The PhD student will participate in the analysis of data collected by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA detectors during observation runs O1-O4, as well as in physics simulations related to LVK upgraded detectors and third-generation interferometers, in preparation for the Einstein Telescope and Cosmic Explorer.

Offered contract

• Full-time contract (40 h/week)
• Predoctoral contract
• The position will correspond to a PhD student.
• 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

Applicants should have a Master Degree in Physics and provide a motivation letter, a CV and full University Records (transcripts of Bachelor’s and Master’s studies), and arrange for one or two letters of reference, sent to mmp@ifae.es and rrhh@ifae.es and including in the subject “IFAE2025/55_GW_PhDStudent”.

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