The ATLAS Pixels Group at IFAE invites applications for a PhD position focused on advanced silicon pixel detector development for the High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC). The group is deeply involved in the design, testing, and characterisation of next-generation pixel sensors and timing detectors, including contributions to the High Granularity Timing Detector (HGTD) and the Inner Tracker (ITk) Pixel Detector of the ATLAS experiment at CERN. Research includes radiation-hard 3D silicon sensors, ultrafast Low Gain Avalanche Detectors (LGADs), Depleted Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors (DMAPS), and integration with state-of-the-art readout ASICs (i.e. Medipix4/Timepix4). Beyond collider applications, detector R&D also addresses technologies for synchrotron radiation instrumentation and medical imaging. The work is carried out in close collaboration with the nearby National Center of Microelectronics (IMB-CNM), providing direct interaction with sensor fabrication and microelectronics development.
About the Role
The successful candidate will:
* Participate in the development of advanced pixel detectors for the ATLAS upgrades.
* Perform laboratory characterisation including measurements before and after irradiation using radioactive sources, lasers, and advanced DAQ systems.
* Contribute to integration and testing activities, including travel to major accelerator facilities for testbeam experiments (e.g., CERN SPS, DESY).
* Work within the DRD3 international collaboration in detector R&D on DMAPS and LGADs for future accelerators and applications beyond High Energy Physics (HEP).
Qualifications
Applicants should have:
* A Master’s degree in Physics, Electronic/Physics Engineering, or a related discipline eligible for admission to the Physics PhD programme at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB).
* Excellent command of English and strong communication skills.
* A proactive attitude and ability to work in an international team.
* Desirable: proficiency in Linux and programming (C/C++ or Python); experience in electronics, detector R&D, or instrumentation.
Contract & Benefits
* Full-time Predoctoral Contract (R1), up to 4 years.
* Competitive salary commensurate with experience and institutional category.
* Opportunities for travel to major research infrastructures and engagement in international collaboration.
* Work in a cutting-edge experimental physics environment.
Application Procedure
Applicants should send the following to Dr. Stefano Terzo () and Prof. Sebastián Grinstein () with the subject “IFAE2026/14_ATLAS_PhDStudent”:
* Updated CV
* Motivation letter
* Full academic grade transcript
* Contact details for two referees
Submission implies consent to IFAE’s legal data privacy notice. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews.
Equal Opportunity
IFAE is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. Applications from under-represented groups in science and engineering are particularly encouraged.
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