Open Position Post-doctoral Position in Gamma-ray Astronomy

The Gamma-ray Astronomy research group at the Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) in Barcelona is looking for a motivated and talented candidate for a 2-year post-doctoral position, to work in the commissioning and early scientific exploitation of the Large-Sized Telescopes of the CTAO-North array.

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 2025-2028 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 also 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: Participate in the commissioning of the array of Large-Sized Telescopes (LSTs) of the CTAO-N observatory (La Palma, Spain), mainly through the analysis of early observations for the verification of the scientific performance of the facility. Develop reconstruction, simulation, analysis or data-management tools for gamma-ray astronomy. Participate in the early scientific exploitation of the CTAO-N_LST array (data analysis and interpretation). The IFAE group is (or has been) engaged in a broad range of gamma-ray astronomy research, including the study of galactic and extragalactic sources, gamma-ray propagation, and fundamental physics topics such as dark matter searches and tests of Lorentz Invariance Violation. The successful candidate, as a member of the CTAO-LST collaboration, will have the opportunity to pursue research in their area of interest—whether within these topics or beyond—by participating in, or even leading, observation proposals and the resulting scientific publications

What we offer

• Comprehensive training and development, including:
  • Access to unique scientific infrastructure (e.g. 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 collaboration meetings, 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.

Required skills and evaluation criteria

We are looking for candidates with a strong background in high-energy astrophysics, a keen interest in data analysis and interpretation, fluent in written and spoken English and with good communication skills. Previous experience in scientific software development (especially with Python) and data analysis will be considered as key assets. Availability to travel to the observatory site in La Palma is required. The successful candidate is expected to have:

• Physics PHD
• Proficiency in the English language
• Pro-active attitude and good communication skills

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

Offered contract:

• Full-time contract (40 hours/week).
• Temporal contract Indefinido Actividades Cientifico Técnicas
• The position will correspond to “Postdoctoral Researcher (R2)” within the professional categories of the IFAE.
• Salary will be proportional to experience and qualifications within the corresponding category range.
• Work with interesting experimental science. Travelling to scientific singular infrastructures. Opportunity to gain experience learning first-hand. Personal growth, innovation, and learning every day.
• The selected candidate is expected to join the IFAE as soon as possible.

Application and Selection process:

Applications should be submitted to be uploaded in to ACADEMIC JOBS .

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

The application must contain a personal identification number (DNI, NIE or passport) in order to proceed to the verification of absence of conflict of interest required by Recovery and Resilience Mechanism of the Spanish Government.

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. Abelardo Moralejo (moralejo@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.