The theory group of IFAE (Barcelona, Spain) at the UAB Campus (Barcelona, Spain) invites applications for one to two postdoctoral research positions in theoretical developments for searches of high-frequency gravitational waves. The appointments will be for a full-time positions of two to three years. The positions will start in Fall 2027. 

These positions will be funded by the ERC-2024-SyG GravNet 10116721 (GravNet: A Global Network for the Search for High Frequency Gravitational Waves), https://gravnet.web.cern.ch/. GravNet is dedicated to optimizing the searches for high-frequency gravitational waves in a network of electromagnetic cavities, or other setups to be conceived during the project. All aspects, from source characterization, response of detectors, network distribution to sensing strategies (in particular leveraging quantum sensing) are being 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. Other detection strategies will also be explored. 

The candidates should have research expertise in Theoretical Physics, and experience in 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. 

The successful candidate will be part of the Beyond the Standard Model and Astroparticle Physics and Cosmology groups of IFAE (https://www.ifae.es/groups/theory/). The staff members of the group are D. Blas, E. Masso, A. Pomarol, O. Pujolas, M. Quiros, F. Rompineve, E. Salvioni and A. Wulzer. 

Candidates should include a CV, a statement of research interests, a publication list (with the URL of the INSPIRE-HEP or another similar repository in the first line) all in PDF format, and 3 Reference Letters to be submitted through this portal. The candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their scientific research excellence, adequacy to the project and an interview for the short-listed candidates. 

The application deadline will be December 31st, 2026. The acceptance deadline for the selected candidates will be set in agreement with the “High-Energy Theory Postdoc Deadline Accord”. 

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.

Applicants should have a PhD in Physics or related topics by the start of the contract. 

For further information, please contact: Diego Blas (dblas@ifae.es). 

Sending applications implies the candidate’s consent to IFAE to treat their provided personal data according to the current Spanish and European data protection regulations. 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.