220/2026 - A research support contract in gravitational wave modelling and the physics of black holes.

Universitat de les Illes Balears; España; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Universitat de les Illes Balears invites applications for a First Stage Researcher (R1) in Physics, focusing on gravitational physics and numerical relativity. The position supports a project on testing gravity with gravitational-wave observations using LISA and involves developing computational tools and validating models.

The role requires experience in numerical methods, Python programming, and effective communication in English.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc-level research background in physics or related field.
• Experience with numerical modeling in gravitational physics is preferred.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop numerical tools for modelling black hole perturbations and gravitational-wave signals.
• Carry out computational analysis of ringdown and quasinormal mode excitation.
• Implement and validate scientific software, primarily using Python.
• Analyse numerical results and compare with general relativity predictions.
• Provide technical support for gravitational wave research activities with LISA.
• Prepare technical documentation and reports.

Skills

Numerical methods

Python

English communication

Gravitational physics

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Physics or related discipline

Tools

Python

Numerical simulation tools

Job description

Offer Description

Organisation/Company Universitat de les Illes Balears Research Field Physics » Relativity Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Bachelor Positions Application Deadline 11 Nov 2026 - 23:55 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 11 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number 2026-27_3_220 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

The successful candidate will provide specialised technical and computational support for the research project 'Testing the Nature of Gravity with Gravitational-Wave Observations with LISA' (PRD2025_099), funded by the Government of the Balearic Islands. They will contribute to developing, implementing and validating numerical and computational methods for modelling gravitational-wave signals from black hole systems, with a particular emphasis on black hole perturbation theory, quasinormal modes and gravitational-wave phenomenology.

The main duties will include:

• Developing and implementing numerical tools for modelling black hole perturbations and gravitational wave signals
• Computational analysis of black hole ringdown, quasinormal mode excitation and gravitational wave emissions
• Implementing and validating scientific software, primarily using Python
• Analysing numerical results and comparing them with theoretical predictions of general relativity
• Technical support for research activities relevant to gravitational wave observations with LISA
• Preparing technical documentation, computational results and scientific reports.

The candidate will join the GRAVITY Research Group at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), an internationally active research team working on gravitational physics, numerical relativity and gravitationalwave astronomy. The activities will be carried out in close association with researchers involved in international gravitational wave collaborations, including the LISA Scientific Collaboration. Further information: http://grg.uib.es .

• PI: Francisco Jiménez Forteza
• Funding body: 7055
• Institution: Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB) / University of the Balearic Islands (UIB)

The selection committee will give particular consideration to the following qualifications and merits:

• Scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals, particularly in black hole perturbation theory, gravitational and black hole physics, and gravitational-wave astronomy
• Participation in the International Scientific Collaboration, including contributions to scientific working groups, research activities and collaborative studies relevant to gravitational wave science
• Proven experience in developing and applying numerical and computational methods to problems in the physics of black holes
• Participation in research projects related to gravitational physics, compact-object modelling or numerical simulations
• The ability to perform computational research tasks, collaborate within a research team and communicate scientific results in English.
• During the video presentation and, where applicable, the personal interview, candidates will be assessed on their ability to explain their individual contributions to previous scientific work, discuss the numerical and theoretical methodologies used, and demonstrate how their skills relate to the position's activities.
• Membership of a Scientific Collaboration, required to undertake the assigned project activities involving the use of collaboration-specific scientific tools and resources, and take part in working groups
• A Degree in Physics, Mathematics or a closely related discipline (MECES Level 2).

Language requirements: Particular consideration will be given to candidates with solid speaking and writing skills in English.

Experience requirements: Proven research experience in gravitational physics, general relativity, the physics of black holes or gravitational wave astronomy. Previous participation in scientific research activities, including contributions to peer-reviewed publications, research projects or international scientific collaborations.

National Social Security Insurance (Public Health Insurance)

Planned end date of the tasks subject to the contract: Friday, October 01, 2027

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), < 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.

Candidates who hold the qualification corresponding to the required category in the job offer with a non-EU degree, if selected, must present a certificate of equivalence of their non-EU qualification to a European qualification, or proof of having applied for this equivalence, in order to proceed with their hiring. The equivalence can be requested from the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities of Spain (see https://www.universidades.gob.es/equivalencia-de-titulo-extranjero-de-e… ).

Selection process

In accordance with article 8 of the REGULATORY AGREEMENT 145140 of 15th June 2022 that approves the regulation governing the recruitment of research staff under chapter 6 allocation of the university budget, as well as technical or operational research staff.

Selection comitee

1. i. The relevant Pro-Vice-Chancellor for research (or delegated representative) as chair.
2. ii. The supervisor (or delegated representative).
3. iii. The members of the Research Area Assessment Committee (CARAI).
4. iv. One or more expert members in the topic pertaining to the recruitment and chosen by the chair of the committee, where applicable.
5. v. The head of FORHU (or delegated representative), as secretary, who may speak but not vote.

Additional comments