Open Position Postdoc position for the IFAE Gamma-ray Group

Opening Date:
Closing Date:
Ref:IFAE2026/10_GAMMA-RAY_Postdoc

The Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) in Barcelona invites applications for a motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to join the Gamma-ray Astronomy research group. The successful candidate will carry out an independent research project combining technical R&D and data analysis in high-energy gamma-ray astronomy. The position offers a unique training opportunity at the interface between advanced instrumentation development and fundamental science.

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 Gamma-ray 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.

Required skills and evaluation criteria

The successful candidate will be expected to have:

  • Physics PHD
  • Minimum two years of postdoctoral experience required in activities related to hardware for astroparticle experiments in space.
  • Excellent knowledge and command of English required.
  • Experience in Python/C++ programming required.
  • Experience at internationally renowned research institutions abroad will be valued.
  • Experience in the operation and characterization of silicon photosensors and trigger and readout electronics will be valued.

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

  • Scientific excellence based on the CV: 50 points
  • Previous experience: 50 points.

Offered contract:

  • Full-time Contract (40 h/week)
  • Temporal (1-year) contract Indefinido Actividades Científico Técnicas
  • The position will correspond to a Postdoctoral position.
  • 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:

Applications should be submitted by email to Dr. Javier Rico (jrico@ifae.es ) and rrhh@ifae.es , indicating the job reference IFAE2026/10_GAMMA-RAY_Postdoc in the subject line. The application must include: (i) a brief motivation letter, (ii) an updated curriculum vitae, and (iii) the contact details of up to three researchers who may be contacted to provide letters of reference.

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.

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

Funding Statement