2026-2027_1_147 - A pre-doctoral contract in gravitational-wave physics

Unist; Palma; On-site; EUR 16,740 - 21,204; Full time

Job summary

Universitat de les Illes Balears invites applications for a pre-doctoral research position in the GRAVITY group at IAC3. The successful candidate will contribute to gravitational-wave data analysis and related scientific computing projects under Dr. Ornella Juliana Piccinni.

The position is a pre-doctoral contract lasting until 2029, with starting date 1 November 2026. English communication is valued; experience with HPC and international collaborations is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Physics or closely related field is required or anticipated.
• Strong background in data analysis, computational physics or gravitational-wave science.
• Experience with scientific programming and HPC is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop data analysis pipelines for searching continuous gravitational waves and dark matter signals.
• Contribute to research program led by Dr Ornella Juliana Piccinni within the GRAVITY group.
• Perform scientific programming and HPC tasks, including algorithm development.
• Analyse data from LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA and related detectors using Python, MATLAB, or C/C++.
• Collaborate in an international research environment and document work clearly.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Data analysis

HPC

Education

Master's degree completed or to be completed in Physics

Eligibility for PhD admission at UIB

Tools

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Job description

Organisation/Company Universitat de les Illes Balears Research Field Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 18 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 1 Nov 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number 2026-2027_1_147 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

A pre-doctoral research position is available at the Institute of Applied Computing and Community Code (IAC3) to join the GRAVITY - Gravitational Physics: Theory and Observation Group and contribute to the scientific goals in the research programme led by Dr Ornella Juliana Piccinni.

The successful candidate will work within the framework of Dr Piccinni's research programme, including activities supported by her Ramón y Cajal Fellowship (RYC2023-044489-I), funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the European Social Fund Plus (FSE+).

The successful candidate will contribute to developing data analysis pipelines for searching continuous gravitational waves and/or dark matter candidates. Depending on the candidate's interests, the project may also involve black hole ringdown studies and preparations for next-generation observatories such as the Einstein Telescope and the LISA mission.

Research duties will involve scientific programming, high-performance computing (HPC), algorithm development and analysing data from the global network of gravitational-wave detectors, including the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observatories. Python, MATLAB and/or C/C++ programming experience is highly desirable.

About IAC3 and the GRAVITY Group

IAC3 is an interdisciplinary research centre home to over 100 researchers from the departments of Physics, and Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB).

The GRAVITY group conducts internationally recognised research in gravitational-wave astronomy, data analysis, waveform modelling and numerical relativity.

The group has access to its own high-performance computing cluster at IAC3, as well as national and international resources such as the MareNostrum supercomputer and the LIGO Data Grid.

The group plays an active role in the LIGO Scientific Collaboration and other renowned international collaborations, such as LISA and the Einstein Telescope (ET).

- Master's degree completed or to be completed before the contract start date.

- Eligibility for admission to the PhD in Physics at the University of the Balearic Islands.

- Average academic mark above 7/10.

- Copy of pre-admission, admission or enrolment in the UIB PhD in Physics programme, or proof that admission requirements will be satisfied before the start date.

Specific Requirements

Essential skills

- Experience with scientific programming languages such as Python, MATLAB and/or C/C++.

- Knowledge of signal processing, data analysis and/or statistical inference.

- Ability to work effectively in international research environments.

- Ability to learn new computational tools and research methodologies.

• Previous experience in international research projects or collaborations.
• High-performance computing (HPC) and scientific software development skills.
• Familiarity with data analysis in physics, astronomy or related fields.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently, manage time efficiently and meet deadlines.
• Curiosity, creativity and motivation for cutting-edge research in gravitational-wave astrophysics and fundamental physics.
• Willingness to travel and participate in conferences, training schools and research stays.

Language requirements

Particular consideration will be given to candidates with a solid command of spoken and written English for technical communication and scientific writing (no accreditation required).

Experience requirements

A solid academic profile in undergraduate and master's programmes in Physics is required.

Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Internal Application form(s) needed

National Social Security Insurance (Public Health Insurance)

Compensation may be higher where the successful candidate accredits recognised professional experience.

Planned end date of the tasks subject to the contract: Wednesday, October 31, 2029

Eligibility criteria

Qualifications in the specialised area (max. 20 points)

Accomplishments in the field (max. 40 points), such as research, innovation and knowledge transfer, teaching, professional accreditations, supplementary training, awards, etc.

Video CV and, where applicable, a personal interview (max. 20 points)

Experience in the field (max. 15 points), e.g.:

• 3 years (10 points)
• less than 3 years (5 points)

Other merits (max. 5 points), e.g. qualifications not linked to the specialised area, letters of reference, etc.

Eligibility threshold: 60 points

Selection process

In accordance with Article 8 of Regulatory Agreement 14540 of 15 June 2022 governing the recruitment of research staff under Chapter 6 allocation of the university budget, as well as technical or operational research staff.

i. The relevant Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research (or delegated representative), as chair.

ii. The supervisor (or delegated representative).

iii. The members of the Research Area Assessment Committee (CARAI).

iv. One or more expert members in the topic pertaining to the recruitment and chosen by the chair of the committee, where applicable.

v. The head of FORHU (or delegated representative), acting as secretary, who may speak but not vote.

Additional comments

Predoctoral contract associated with the Ramón y Cajal programme (RYC2023-044489-I), funded through the 2023 Annual Sustainable Tourism Promotion Plan of the Government of the Balearic Islands (ITS2023-086).

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Universitat de les Illes Balears / University of the Balearic Islands Country Spain Geofield