Open Position Communications and Outreach Technician at IFAE

About IFAE

The Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) is a public consortium of the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Autonomous Government of Catalonia, and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB, a public university) whose main objective is to carry out research and to contribute to the development of high energy physics from a theoretical, experimental and technological point of view. IFAE has the status of a “University Institute" attached to the UAB and its premises are within the campus of the University.

About the Communication & Outreach Unit

IFAE’s Communication & Outreach Unit is responsible for communicating the institute’s scientific achievements, promoting public engagement with science, supporting institutional communication activities, and strengthening the visibility of IFAE at local, national and international levels.

The unit coordinates a wide range of communication and outreach initiatives, including public events, educational programmes, media relations, digital communication, institutional publications and participation in major science engagement activities. The unit has been recognised by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) as an official Unit of Scientific Culture and Innovation (UCC+I).

Position Description

IFAE is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Communications and Outreach Technician to join its Communication & Outreach Unit.

The successful candidate will contribute to the implementation of communication and outreach activities aimed at increasing the visibility and societal impact of IFAE’s research, in alignment with the objectives of IFAE’s Severo Ochoa strategic plan. In particular, the position will support activities related to scientific dissemination, public engagement, institutional visibility and the promotion of IFAE’s research achievements to diverse audiences.

The position is particularly suitable for early-career professionals interested in science communication and public engagement within a leading international research environment.

The selected candidate will work closely with researchers, students and administrative staff across the institute and will support a broad range of communication and outreach initiatives.

Main Responsibilities

The successful candidate will contribute to:

• Digital Communication and Content Management: Create, edit and maintain content for IFAE’s websites and digital communication channels, ensuring accurate, engaging and up-to-date information about the institute’s research, activities and achievements.
• Scientific Outreach and Public Engagement: Support the design, organisation and implementation of outreach activities aimed at schools, teachers and the general public, including educational programmes, workshops, public lectures, science festivals and European Researchers’ Night activities.
• Support to the Communication & Outreach Unit: Collaborate with researchers, students and administrative staff across the institute and contribute to the daily activities and strategic objectives of IFAE’s Communication & Outreach Unit.

Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications

• University degree.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Professional proficiency in English, Catalan and Spanish.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Desired Qualifications

• Degree in Physics or a related scientific discipline.
• Master’s degree in science communication, journalism, public communication, or related fields.
• Experience in communication, outreach or public engagement activities.
• Experience working in research centres, universities or scientific institutions.
• Experience in writing and editing communication materials for different audiences.
• Familiarity with web content management systems.
• Experience using design tools such as Canva.
• Interest in science communication and public engagement.

Evaluation Criteria

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work in a leading international research institute.
• A dynamic and collaborative working environment.
• Involvement in cutting-edge scientific research communication.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• A stimulating environment with strong international connections and societal impact.

Offered Contract

• Full-time contract (40 h/week).
• Temporal contract for two years. It features an “actividades científico-técnicas” contract under Article 23-bis of the Spanish Act 14/2011, Ley de la ciencia, la tecnología y la innovación, linked to the Ayuda CEX2024-001441-S financiada por la Agencia Estatal de Investigación. Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades and the project ET COMPASS, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101292376 (Call: HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-DEV-02).
• The position will correspond to a Tècnic/a d’administració nivell 1.
• Contract period: initial assignment for a period of two years.
• Expected starting date: October 2026.
• Probation period: 6 months.
• Salary will be proportional to experience and qualifications within the corresponding category range.

Application Process

Applications should be submitted to sgrinschpun@ifae.es and rrhh@ifae.es , stating the job reference 2026-30_COMUNICATION_SO_Technician as the subject of the message.

The application should include:

• A cover letter describing their motivation and suitability for the position.
• A complete Curriculum Vitae.
• Contact information for at least two references.

Only applications submitted through the recruitment portal will be considered.

For further information, please contact Sebastian Grinschpun at sgrinschpun@ifae.es .

Equal Opportunity

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.

IFAE holds the European Commission HR Excellence in Research Award and is committed to the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

Funding Statement

Ayuda CEX2024-001441-S financiada por la Agencia Estatal de Investigación. Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades.