Open Position: Postdoctoral Position in Theoretical Particle Physics, Theoretical Cosmology/Gravitation
Opening Date: February 27, 2026
Closing Date: Until Filled
Reference: 2026/17_THEORIC_Postdoc
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 Theoretical Physics Group and The GravNet Project
The theory group of IFAE (Barcelona, Spain) invites applications for one postdoctoral research position in theoretical developments for searches of high frequency gravitational waves in cavities. The position will start in Fall 2026 and will have a duration of three years. This position will be funded by the ERC Synergy Grant project GravNet (A Integral Network for the Search for High Frequency Gravitational Waves). GravNet will be dedicated to optimizing searches of high-frequency gravitational waves in a network of electromagnetic cavities, or other set‑ups to be conceived during the project. All aspects, from source characterization, response of detectors, network distribution to sensing strategies (in particular leveraging quantum sensing) will be revised, with the goal of building the most precise detector to high frequency gravitational waves in the near future.
GravNet is led by PIs Diego Blas (IFAE/ICREA, Barcelona), Dima Budker (U. Mainz), Claudio Gatti (LNF, Italy) and Matthias Schott (U. Bonn, Germany; leading PI). The successful candidates will join the GravNet‑IFAE group, in charge of developing and optimizing all theoretical aspects of the proposal. This includes the complete modeling and simulation of the response of the detectors to gravitational waves of different sources, generating realistic sensitivity calculations and exploring different network configurations. These results will be used to design the best strategy for GravNet to detect high frequency gravitational waves.
Candidate Profile
The candidates should have research expertise in Theoretical Physics, and experience on theoretical work dealing with searches of BSM physics or gravitational waves physics in laboratory set‑ups (in particular with quantum sensing techniques) is particularly welcome.
Evaluation
The candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their scientific research excellence and adequacy to the project. The evaluation criteria and their weighting for the submitted applications will be the following:
- CV and previous achievements: 20 points
- Letters of recommendation: 30 points
- Adequacy to the research direction and publications: 30 points
- Interview: 20 points
Offered Contract
- Full‑time Contract (40 h/week)
- Temporal Contract: Acceso de personal investigador doctor al sistema español de ciencia, tecnología e innovación.
- 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 from September 2026.
Application and Selection Process
Applicants should have a PhD in Physics or related topics by the start of the contract. They should provide a CV, a statement of research interests, a publication list (all in PDF format) and at least 3 recommendation letters to Applicants should also send the CV in PDF format to and stating the job reference (2026/17_THEORIC_Postdoc) as the subject of the message.
For further information please contact: Diego Blas ( ).
Equal Opportunity and Diversity
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.
Funding Statement
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