Overview
Open Position: PhD Position in Gamma-ray Astronomy at IFAE.
Ref: IFAE2025/30_GAMMA-RAYS_SO_PhDStudent.
Opening Date: September 19, 2025.
Closing Date: Until Filled.
This is a PhD opportunity within the IFAE Gamma-ray Astronomy Group.
About IFAE: IFAE is an internationally recognized center for fundamental research in Particle Physics, Astroparticle Physics, and Cosmology.
Its main mission is to advance these fields through theoretical, experimental, and technological research.
IFAE offers an international, dynamic, and competitive environment for the training of young researchers.
IFAE has been accredited three times with the "Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence" distinction, most recently for the 2025-2029 period.
About the IFAE Gamma-ray Astronomy Group: The IFAE Gamma-ray Astronomy research group is a leader in the development and scientific exploitation of state-of-the-art, ground-based gamma-ray telescopes.
As a key member of the MAGIC and CTAO-LST collaborations, the group develops hardware, software, and data management solutions.
Our members are experts in gamma-ray data analysis, with research spanning astrophysical phenomena and fundamental physics.
The group is expanding its focus to space-based missions and contributes to the HERD experiment and ESA proposals including new-ASTROGAM.
Responsibilities
Contribute to instrumentation and R&D; for future space missions focusing on detector design, testing, and performance assessment.
Conduct scientific analyses of data from ground-based gamma-ray telescopes (MAGIC, CTA-LST), including studies of astrophysical sources and fundamental physics.
Develop reconstruction, simulation, analysis or data-management tools for gamma-ray astronomy.
Participate actively in international scientific collaborations, presenting results and co-authoring scientific publications.
Carry out original research leading to a PhD thesis in Gamma-ray Astronomy.
What we offer
We provide a comprehensive package designed to support doctoral studies and launch a research career in a world-class institution.
This includes:
A 4-year, full-time predoctoral contract (40 hours/week).
Salary corresponding to the "Investigador(a) predoctoral (R1)" IFAE professional category.
Comprehensive training and development, including:
Access to unique scientific infrastructure (e.g. CERN, Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos).
Hands-on training in cutting-edge techniques, from detector R&D; to advanced data analysis and machine learning.
Attendance at international schools and workshops.
Development of transferable skills in scientific communication, project management, and writing.
Opportunities to present your work at international conferences and undertake research stays at collaborating institutions worldwide.
A world-class research environment: Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence with a dynamic, international setting.
Location: IFAE is located on the UAB university campus in the Barcelona metropolitan area, offering a high quality of life.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to fundamental research while developing skills for a future in academia or industry.
Requirements to apply and evaluation criteria
To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the requirements for enrollment in the UAB doctoral program for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Key requirements include:
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Physics or a related field.
Master's degree in Physics, Astrophysics, or a related field, completed by the contract start date.
Strong background in physics, interest in data analysis and instrumentation, pro-active attitude, and good communication skills.
Prior programming experience (Python or C++), data analysis, and laboratory work are valuable assets.
Fluency in written and spoken English.
Evaluation process
The evaluation and selection follow open competition, publicity, and transparency.
Criteria include:
Academic and/or scientific-technical trajectory (up to 50 points).
Mobility and internationalization (up to 5 points).
Adequacy of the candidate to the research activities (up to 50 points).
A Selection Committee will evaluate applications.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to give a brief online presentation followed by Q&A.;
Application Submission
Interested candidates should submit the application to ****** and ****** with the reference IFAE2025/30_GAMMA-RAYS_SO_PhDStudent.
The application should include a letter of motivation, full CV, transcripts of Bachelor's and Master's studies, and one or two reference letters.
All applications received within one month of the opening date will receive full consideration.
Sending CVs implies consent to IFAE's data privacy policy.
IFAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and to the social integration of people with disabilities.
Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome.
Questions regarding this opening can be directed to Dr. Javier Rico (******).
Funding
This position is funded under the Severo Ochoa accreditation CEX2024-001441-S (2025–2028), awarded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.
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📌 Phd Position In Gamma-Ray Astronomy
🏢 IFAE
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