UPDATES:

LINK TO THE CALL: https://sede.usc.es/sede/publica/taboleiro/anuncio/124462/carga.htm

05/01/2024: Resolución definitiva concesión persoal investigador en formación (FPI)
29/12/2023: Resolución provisional concesión persoal investigador predoutoral en formación (FPI)
27/12/2023: Nomeamento comisión avaliadora convocatoria persoal investigador predoutoral (FPI)

Overview

The Astroparticle Physics group at Instituto Galego de Física de Altas Enerxías (IGFAE), joint center of the University of Santiago de Compostela and Xunta de Galicia, Spain, invites applications for a PhD position focusing on ultra-high energy cosmic ray (UHECR) and UHE neutrino detection using the Pierre Auger Observatory, the world’s largest and most precise cosmic-ray detector, now enhanced with the AugerPrime upgrade. Phase II of data taking is scheduled to commence in 2024. The successful candidate will join a dynamic, international research team comprising several professors, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students.

Research Areas

The IGFAE group is actively involved in various research areas within the Pierre Auger Observatory: Hadronic and Shower Physics; UHECR-induced Inclined Showers and the Search for UHE neutrinos; Multi-Messenger Astronomy; and the utilization of the Radio Technique for UHECR and UHE neutrino detection. The candidate will play a pivotal role in updating the reconstruction algorithms of inclined UHECR air showers within the official software of the Pierre Auger Collaboration, integrating new multi-hybrid data collected with AugerPrime. Additionally, the candidate will conduct comprehensive data analyses and contribute significantly to one or more of the primary research areas of the group. Active participation in the operations of the Pierre Auger Observatory is expected, with opportunities for research visits to the Observatory in Malargüe, Argentina, and to collaborating institutes worldwide.

Qualifications

– Master’s degree in Physics or a related field, with a background in experimental or theoretical Astroparticle Physics, Nuclear Physics, or Particle Physics.

– Proficiency in Monte Carlo Simulations and data analysis using modern programming languages, particularly C++ and Python, is highly valued.

Additional Information

The successful candidate will become part of the broad and vibrant research environment at IGFAE, involved in experimental Particle and Nuclear Physics, Astroparticle Physics, Gravitational Wave Astronomy, and Theoretical Physics. For more details, visit https://igfae.usc.es/igfae/

Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary commensurate with the PhD student level in Spain, along with comprehensive social and health benefits. The appointment is for a duration of 4 years. The PhD position also comes with further financial support for stays at other research centers worldwide for a period of 3 months.

How to apply

Deadline: December 18th, 2023. We strongly encourage candidates to submit their CVs at their earliest convenience to ensure that they receive all necessary information and can meet the upcoming deadline.

 Please, send an email with your CV to:

Jaime Alvarez-Muniz: jaime.alvarez@usc.es,

Lorenzo Cazon: lorenzo.cazon@usc.es

Enrique Zas: enrique.zas@gmail.com

About the IGFAE

The IGFAE at the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC) is a research institute accredited as María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence by the Spanish Ministry of Science in the period 2017-2021. IGFAE also holds the CIGUS recognition from the Xunta de Galicia, which accredits the quality and impact of its research. It hosts around 130 researchers, including more than 20 postdocs, 40 PhD students and one ERC grantee. Researchers at IGFAE participate in experimental facilities such as CERN, LIGO, GSI/FAIR and the Pierre Auger Observatory.

The scientific research of the Institute is organized around three areas that are the basis for the strategic planning: The Standard Model to the Limits, Cosmic Particles and Fundamental Physics, and Nuclear Physics from the Lab to improve people’s health. A transversal line has been created recently to discuss the strategy for new opportunities in the field of international facilities. In addition, IGFAE activity is divided into an experimental and a theory section.

IGFAE provides a highly stimulating environment and unique professional career development opportunities. We offer training in soft skills to enhance future employability and career success of our researchers including technology transfer, entrepreneurship, dissemination, and equity/diversity perspective.

IGFAE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and particularly welcomes applications from women, minorities and persons with disabilities. IGFAE’s recently approved Equality and Diversity Plan is committed to increase the gender, geographic and minority balance within the institute. We offer flexible working schedule to reconcile a work and family life.