Phd Position in Gamma-ray Astronomy

Opening Date**:September 19, 2025**
Closing Date**:Until Filled**
Ref:IFAE2025/30_GAMMA-RAYS_SO_PhDStudent

**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 critical hardware, software, and data management solutions. Our members are recognized experts in gamma-ray data analysis, with research spanning astrophysical phenomena and fundamental physics.

Building on this expertise, the group is expanding its focus to space-based missions. We are contributing to the High Energy cosmic-Radiation Detection (HERD) experiment, a next-generation detector for the Chinese Space Station. In parallel, we pursue R&D for future gamma-ray missions and play an active role in ESA proposals, including new-ASTROGAM, the envisioned successor to the Fermi-LAT satellite, and other compact mission concepts targeting complementary energy ranges.

**Tasks and 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 your doctoral studies and launch your 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 to 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: As a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence, IFAE provides a dynamic, international setting. You will join a leading research group and collaborate with top scientists through our involvement in major international scientific projects.
- An exceptional location: IFAE is located on the UAB university campus in the vibrant and cosmopolitan Barcelona metropolitan area, offering an outstanding quality of life.
- This is a unique opportunity to contribute to fundamental research while developing the skills needed for a successful future in academia or industry.
- Holding a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics or a related field.
- Holding a Master’s degree in Physics, Astrophysics, or a related field, which must be completed by the contract start date.
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

**Evaluation process**:
The process of evaluation and selection guarantees the principles of open competition, publicity and transparency, according to the following criteria:
**Application submission**:
**Funding Statement**:
Esta plaza está financiada en el marco de la acreditación Severo Ochoa de IFAE CEX2024-001441-S (2025-2028), concedida por el MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.