Open Position PhD Position for the Gamma-ray Group

About IFAE

The High Energy Physics Institute in Barcelona (IFAE) announces the opening of one 4-year PhD student position in the Gamma-ray group. IFAE is a worldwide-recognized center for fundamental research in Particle Physics, Astroparticle Physics and Cosmology, and provides an international, dynamic, and competitive environment for training of young researchers.

About the Gamma-ray Group

At the IFAE Gamma-ray Group we develop advanced detector technologies for future space gamma-ray observatories and play leading roles in several major international projects, including HERD, FOCUS, MAGIC, and CTA.

As a PhD student in our group, you will have the unique, multi-faceted opportunity to contribute directly to cutting-edge hardware developments, drive the scientific assessment and simulations of next-generation space mission concepts, and perform high-impact data analysis using the very first scientific data from the CTA LSTs.

Job profile and responsibilities

The PhD thesis will integrate both instrumentation R&D for future gamma-ray space missions and scientific data analysis using observations from current gamma-ray observatories.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Contribute to the design, testing, and evaluation of instrumentation for future gamma-ray space missions.
• Perform scientific analyses of data from gamma-ray observatories (MAGIC and/or CTA-LST) to study astrophysical sources and fundamental physics.
• Develop simulation, reconstruction, and analysis tools supporting instrumentation studies and data analysis.
• Actively participate in international scientific collaborations, presenting results and contributing to scientific publications.
• Conduct original research leading to the completion of a PhD thesis in Gamma-Ray Astronomy.

Specific requirements and preferred qualifications

• Candidates must hold, by the start date of the contract, a Master’s degree in Physics or an equivalent qualification providing direct access to the PhD program in Physics at the Autonomous University of Barcelona.
• A good command of spoken and written English is required.
• Previous experience with scientific instrumentation will be considered an asset.
• Experience with scientific programming (Python, C++, or similar languages) and data analysis tools is desirable.
• Scientific and technical contributions in the fields of gamma-ray astronomy and/or space missions will be considered an asset.

What we offer

The successful candidate will enjoy a predoctoral grant as part of the predoctoral actions integrated in the framework of Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento 2023, funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Agencia Estatal de Investigación, FEDER and FSE (project code PID2023-146051NB-C21).

Contract conditions

• Full-time contract (40 hours/week).
• Predoctoral contract with a maximum duration of 48 months.
• IFAE professional category: Investigador(a) predoctoral (R1).
• Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications within the corresponding category range.
• Additional funds covering the doctoral program fee and a 2–3 month research stay abroad.
• Important: The selected candidate must be available to start no later than November 30, 2026.

The candidate will develop a PhD thesis on astroparticle physics data analysis as well as instrumentation and/or software development related to gamma-ray space missions, benefiting from close supervision, opportunities to attend international conferences and collaboration meetings, specialized training in instrumentation and data analysis, and access to a broad network of international collaborators.

Evaluation process

The evaluation and selection process guarantees the principles of competition, publicity, and transparency. The recruitment process follows an open and competitive selection procedure carried out according to the following criteria:

More information about the evaluation criteria can be found in Article 12 of the official call (in Spanish) .

A Selection Committee will evaluate the received applications. If more than one candidate seems equally suitable for the position, the Selection Committee may arrange an online interview as part of the selection process.

Application submission

Interested candidates should submit their application to jrico@ifae.es and rrhh@ifae.es with the reference IFAE2026/35_GAMMA-RAY_PhDStudent.

For full consideration, applications should be received by September 15, 2026.

The application should include:

• Motivation letter.
• Updated CV.
• Full list of university grades.
• Two letters of reference, to be sent directly to the above e-mail addresses.

Sending CVs to the above address 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 disabilities. 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 disabilities, are particularly encouraged to apply.

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

Funding