HERD post-doctoral position at IFAE Gamma-Ray Astronomy group

The Gamma-ray Astronomy group at the Institute de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) in Barcelona (Spain) invites outstanding young researchers to submit applications for an open post-doctoral position. The successful applicant will be involved in the construction of the future HERD cosmic ray detector onboard the Chinese Space Station, including:

• Development of the low-energy gamma-ray trigger system
• Assessment and optimization of the detector’s capability for gamma-ray astronomy
• Development of the HERD gamma-ray scientific program

The offer consists of a 3-year contract with competitive salary commensurate with the successful candidate experience, plus public health and unemployment insurances.

The High Energy cosmic-Radiation Detection (HERD) facility is a next-generation cosmic ray detector proposed by China, Italy, Switzerland and Spain institutions to operate, starting ~2027 and for at least 10 years, in the Chinese Space Station (currently being assembled in orbit). HERD main scientific goals are: the search for signatures of annihilation or decay products of dark matter particles; the determination of the physical mechanisms producing the knee structure in the cosmic ray spectrum; providing continuous, wide field-of-view monitoring of the high-energy gamma-ray sky above few 10s MeV.

IFAE is a worldwide-recognized center for fundamental research in physics, including Particle Physics, Astroparticle Physics and Cosmology, and provides an international, dynamic and competitive environment for training of young researchers. IFAE has a vast expertise in technical and scientific aspects of gamma-ray astronomy, participating with a leading role in MAGIC and in CTA, the narrow-field-of-view ground-based gamma-ray telescope counterpart of HERD during the duration of the mission.

Eligible candidates should hold a PhD degree in Physics or Astrophysics by the beginning of the contract (preferably not later than January 2022). Evaluation of applications will start in October 15, 2021, and continue until the position is filled. All applications received until that date will receive full consideration.

Inquiries, applications (containing an expression of interest and Curriculum Vitae) and at least two support letters should be addressed to Dr Javier Rico (

).

By applying to this call the candidates give their consent to IFAE to treat their provided personal data according to the current Spanish and European data protection legislations

IFAE is an equal-opportunity institution committed to diversity in the workplace, and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.