The theory group of IFAE (Barcelona, Spain) invites expressions of interest for one to two PhD positions in theoretical developments for searches of high frequency gravitational waves in cavities and other laboratory devices. The positions will start from Spring 2027 (flexible starting date until Fall 2027) and will have a duration of four years. 

These positions will be funded by the ERC-2024-SyG GravNet 101167211 (GravNet: A Global Network for the Search for High Frequency Gravitational Waves), https://gravnet.web.cern.ch/. GravNet will be dedicated to optimize the searches of high-frequency gravitational waves in a network of electromagnetic cavities, or other set-ups to be conceived during the project. All aspects, from source characterization, response of detectors, network distribution to sensing strategies (in particular leveraging quantum sensing) will be 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. 

Candidates should have a Master Degree in Physics or related topics, or equivalent qualification, and/or satisfy the requirements to be admitted in the Physics PhD program of the UAB (https://www.uab.cat/en/phds/physics) by the start of the contract. 

In the application they must provide a CV, including full list of University Grades, and two Reference Letters. The selection will be based on the academic and scientific record of the candidate, the recommendation letters, the potential of the candidate to integrate well in the group, the adequacy to the project and an interview to the short-listed candidates. 

To receive full consideration, the applications must be sent before January 15th, 2027. The successful candidate will be part of the the Beyond the Standard Model and Astroparticle Physics and Cosmology groups of IFAE (https://www.ifae.es/groups/theory/). The permanent or tenure-track members of the group are D. Blas, E. Massò, C. Murgui, A. Pomarol, O. Pujolàs, M. Quirós, F. Rompineve, E. Salvioni and A. Wulzer. 

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. Further information about the institute can be found at https://www.ifae.es. 

Contact person: Diego Blas (dblas@ifae.es). More Information: https://www.ifae.es/careers/jobs