The Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) has officially announced the opening of a Call for Applications for the position of Director. The call, launched on 23 February 2026, invites qualified candidates with a strong track record of scientific excellence and leadership to apply for the strategic role of leading the institute.

Established in 1991 as a public research consortium between the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), IFAE is a CERCA Centre of Excellence that conducts cutting-edge research in particle physics, astroparticle physics, cosmology and related technologies. The Institute is also a founding member of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) and contributes to major international scientific collaborations.

Situated on the UAB campus near Barcelona, IFAE brings together ICREA research professors, UAB faculty, and its own scientific personnel to advance theoretical and experimental research across a wide range of fields. These include Standard Model and Beyond Standard Model physics, neutrino physics, collider physics, gamma-ray astronomy, gravitational waves, and observational cosmology. In addition, the institute is involved in applied research in medical imaging and quantum computing technologies.

Role and Responsibilities

The Director will provide the scientific vision and strategic goals for the institute, oversee research and innovation activities, and ensure the institute’s financial sustainability through competitive funding and partnerships. The role also includes submitting the institute’s research program to the Consortium’s Governing Board and maintaining close communication with the CERCA Institution.

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• A distinguished record of scientific achievement
• Proven skills in team and research management
• Experience with international scientific collaborations and consortia
• A deep understanding of the European and Spanish research landscapes

While the working language at IFAE is English, proficiency in Catalan or Spanish is considered an advantage.

Application Process

The call is open from 23 February to 14 April 2026 (reference: IFAE2026/08_DIRECCIO_IFAE). Candidates are invited to submit a CV and cover letter by email to the Director of CERCA at candidatures@cerca.cat before the deadline. The appointment will initially span four years, with the possibility of extension.

The Selection Committee—comprising representatives from the Governing Board, the CERCA Institution, and the External Scientific Committee—will screen applications, conduct interviews, and propose a ranked list of candidates for approval by the Governing Board.