Call Expressions of Interest - Scientist Position - Gravitational-Wave Physics

Overview

Call for Expressions of Interest

Gravitational-Wave Physics at IFAE

ATRAE Program - Spanish Funding Agency

The Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) invites expressions of interest from outstanding researchers to join its Gravitational Waves Group, working on the Virgo, LIGO, and Einstein Telescope collaborations, in the framework of the 2026 ATRAE Program of the Spanish Funding Agency.

IFAE performs research in particle physics, astroparticle physics and cosmology, and develops technologies for the benefit of the whole society. IFAE s mission is to address fundamental physics questions by acting as a major partner and a leader in the scientific collaborations at the forefront of our field, while preparing for future technological breakthroughs. IFAE has been distinguished three times with the Severo Ochoa Excellence award from the Spanish Funding Agency.

The IFAE Gravitational Waves Group plays an active role in Virgo and LIGO experiments in several areas including detector characterization, physics data analysis, and R&D for next-generation observatories, with a particular emphasis on the Einstein Telescope.

Successful candidates will benefit from:

• A vibrant, collaborative research environment;
• Strong institutional support for independent research lines;
• Access to international collaborations and infrastructure;
• Mentorship and strategic support for ATRAE applications.

We welcome expressions of interest from researchers with a strong track record and leadership potential in areas including (but not limited to):

• Gravitational-wave detector operations and data analysis;
• Detector characterization and noise mitigation;
• Instrumentation and R&D for next-generation detectors.

Candidates should be eligible to apply to the ATRAE Program and be interested in establishing or consolidating an independent research line at IFAE.

The ATRAE Program, funded by the Spanish Funding Agency, defines about 1M€ individual grants and aims to attract and retain research talent by supporting the long-term incorporation of established researchers into Spanish research institutions.

The next call is expected by April 2026.

For reference the 2025 ATRAE call can be consulted here.

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact us informally to discuss mutual interests and institutional support for an ATRAE application.
Please include
:

• A brief CV;
• A short summary of research interests and future plans;
• Indication of alignment with the IFAE gravitational-wave program.

For expressions of interest and informal inquiries, please contact:

Mario Martinez - IFAE GW Group Team Leader and IFAE Deputy Director mmp

Eugenio Coccia - IFAE Director eugenio.coccia