Open Position Call for Expressions of Interest Ramón y Cajal Fellowship Programme 2026

Opening Date:

Call for Expressions of Interest

Ramón y Cajal Fellowship Programme 2026

The Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) in Barcelona, a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence, invites Expressions of Interest from outstanding researchers wishing to apply for the Ramón y Cajal (RyC) 2026 Programme.

The RyC Programme aims to attract exceptional postdoctoral researchers to the Spanish science, technology, and innovation system through five-year positions. In the 2026 call, RyC fellows will receive the necessary resources to lead their own research programmes, establishing a clear pathway toward permanent integration into the Spanish scientific system. A demonstrated track record of securing competitive research funding—particularly through European Research Council (ERC) grants—is considered a key asset for prospective applicants.

IFAE conducts research in particle physics, astroparticle physics, and cosmology, while developing advanced technologies for societal benefit. The institute’s mission is to address fundamental questions in physics as a key partner and leader in international collaborations at the forefront of the field, while driving future technological breakthroughs. IFAE has been awarded the prestigious Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence distinction three times (in 2012, 2016, and 2024).

IFAE is seeking candidates with a proven track record of research excellence and leadership in one of the following research areas:

  • Theory
  • Experimental Particle Physics (with colliders or neutrino factories)
  • Experimental Gravitational Waves Research (using ground-based interferometers)
  • Experimental Gamma-Ray Astroparticle Physics
  • Quantum Computing Technologies

To be considered, proposed research projects must closely align with IFAE’s current research portfolio.

IFAE website: www.ifae.es

At IFAE, RyC fellows are appointed on a tenure-track faculty trajectory. Subject to a positive evaluation by an independent international panel upon completion of the fellowship, the candidate will be considered for a permanent faculty position.

RyC programme details

https://www.aei.gob.es/en/convocatorias-ryc

RyC application period: 10 November 2026 – 10 December 2026.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI), a full CV, and a research project summary via email to eoi@ifae.es by October 16, 2026, specifying their target research area in the email subject line. The project summary should explicitly outline any support requested from IFAE to ensure the feasibility of the proposed research. This deadline allows sufficient time to evaluate applications for potential institutional endorsement by IFAE under the RyC 2026 call.

IFAE website: 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.

Further information

For further information, please contact:

Prof. Mario Martínez
Director-designate
Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE)

mmp@ifae.es