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.
This position is part of the 2025 Public Employment Offer (Aquesta plaça forma part de l’Oferta Pública d’Ocupació 2025).
In 2019, IFAE started a new line on quantum computation with superconducting circuits, the Quantum Computing Technology group, to study the implications of this emerging technology in different areas of particle physics.
The Quantum Computing Technology (QCT) group at IFAE hosts a complete laboratory to perform experiments controlling superconducting qubits, including dilution refrigerators, and instrumentation for microwave signal generation and acquisition. The group also has access to a metal evaporator exclusively used to produce superconducting quantum devices. The QCT group is involved in project QRADEs for the use of qubits as detectors of particle physics events.
The successful candidate will be expected to have:
- A PhD in Astronomy, Physics or a closely related field.
- At least 10 years of research experience after their PhD.
- Having been awarded an international grant, such as a European Research Council grant or similar.
- Proven record of leading international projects.
- Outstanding communication skills in English.
Other valued but not required aspects for this position are:
- Experience in scientific management of research projects.
- Participation in the organization of international events and conferences.
- Participation in peer-review processes of publications and grants.
- Participation in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
The successful candidate will lead the QCT group at IFAE. In this role, the successful candidate will be responsible for attracting funding to cover their effort as well as that of the members of the team.
Evaluation criteria
Points
Overall quality of the CV
100
- Full-time position (40 hours/week).
- Permanent contract.
- The candidate will work as a Senior Researcher included in the professional group INVEST.TITULAR (R3).
- The gross salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
- The selected person is expected to join IFAE on September 1st, 2026.
- Flexible schedule.
- Work on world-leading experimental scientific projects.
- Travel to unique scientific infrastructures.
- Opportunity to gain first-hand experience.
- Personal growth, innovation, and continuous learning.
Candidates are required to have a PhD degree in Astronomy or Physics and an excellent CV. They should provide a full CV, sent by email to [email protected] and including in the subject: IFAE2026/33_QCT-IFAE_Investigador Titular
For further information please contact: [email protected]
www.ifae.es 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.
