The Institute of Cosmos Sciences of the University of Barcelona (ICCUB) invites applications for a 3-year Postdoctoral position in Beyond the standard models of cosmology and particle physics, as part of its current call for two postdoctoral positions and one ICCUB Postdoctoral Fellowship, offered under the framework of its Unit of Excellence Maria de Maeztu.
These positions are part of a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment at one of Europe’s leading centers in cosmology, astrophysics, and particle physics. The Institute of Cosmos Sciences (ICCUB) at the University of Barcelona, established in 2006, focuses on cosmology, astrophysics, particle physics, quantum physics, and nuclear physics. With over 70 scientists, 20 engineers, and 90 postdoctoral researchers and PhD students (35% international), ICCUB collaborates internationally on projects like Gaia, LHCb, Virgo, MAGIC, CTA, and DESI. It also has an Advanced Technology Unit supporting experimental research requiring cutting-edge technology.
Description of the postdoctoral position:
Efforts to understand the ultimate laws of nature and the structure and composition of the Universe have so far been carried out almost independently within the fields of particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. This siloing is now hampering progress, as the disciplines that study the very large and the very small have become inextricably intertwined. Each has converged to its own extremely successful Standard Model (SM): the SM of particle physics (PP) and the standard cosmological model or Lambda Cold Dark Matter (LCDM) model, with many aspects in common. Yet both models show signs of being incomplete, pointing to the need for new physics with profound implications for our understanding of matter, forces, and the Universe's components themselves.
Finding out what that new physics may or may not be can only be achieved with a coordinated approach from theoretical modelling to data analysis, and a holistic context covering expertise in all the disciplines involved. The successful candidate should have demonstrated expertise and interest in one or more of these aspects:
- Precision measurements in Experimental Particle Physics
- Robust analysis and interpretation of cosmological data especially galaxy surveys
- Neutrino properties at the intersection of particle physics and cosmology
- Dark matter distribution, clustering and detection from cosmic scales down to Earth.
The successful candidate is expected to work across different research groups at the ICCUB:
- Cosmology and Large Scale Structure
- Particle Physics Phenomenology
- Galaxy Structure and Evolution
- Experimental High Energy Physics
Requirements:
Applicants must hold a PhD in Physics, Astrophysics, or a closely related field by the start date of the contract, approximately in October 2026. We are looking for motivated researchers with a strong track record and a collaborative spirit.
Employment Terms:
- Duration: up to 3 years
- Start Date: Preferably by Fall 2026 (flexibility possible for parental or special circumstances)
- Salary:
- Maria de Maeztu Postdoctoral Positions: Approx. 36.360€/year (gross), including full social security and public healthcare coverage for the researcher, spouse or registered partner and children
- ICCUB Postdoctoral Fellowship: Approx. 42.900€/year (gross), including full social security and public healthcare coverage for the researcher, spouse or registered partner and children
- Research Support:
- Fellowship: €8,000/year for travel and training
- Postdoctoral Positions: €5,000/year for travel and training
- Access to ICCUB’s advanced computational infrastructure, training programs, and career development resources
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
ICCUB offers and promotes a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation (for additional information please see the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call or email secretaria@icc.ub.edu with their request.
Application Process:
To apply, please complete the application form and provide contact details for three referees. After submission, you will receive instructions to upload the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- Research statement (max 4pp) outlining research experience, interests, research plan and how the candidate’s profiles and research plan would fit with the scientific profile of the position(s)
- Publication List
- Three Reference Letters (referees will be contacted directly)
Reference letters must be sent directly by the referees through the on-line application system (the system will contact these scientists you named, asking them to submit their letters of reference after a few working days).
Note: Applicants should select their preferred job offer.
Note: Your application will only be considered complete once at least two reference letters have been received.
For questions regarding the application process, please contact Esther Pallarès at secretaria@icc.ub.edu.
Deadline
Application deadline: November 30th, 2025
Review of applications will begin immediately after the deadline and will continue until all positions are filled.
Selection process:
The selection process consists of two phases: merit-based evaluation and an interview.
1. Merit-Based Evaluation
The Selection Committee will verify and assess the merits documented by the applicants. The maximum score for this phase is 80 points, distributed across the following categories:
Curriculum Vitae — Maximum: 30 points
The following aspects will be assessed:
- Scientific and technical contributions in the relevant research field.
- Quality and impact of publications, particularly those where the applicant is the lead author.
- Participation in research projects, collaborations, and scientific dissemination activities.
- Teaching experience, supervision of academic work and mentoring (e.g., theses, dissertations).
Alignment with the María de Maeztu Challenge — Maximum: 30 points
The following aspects will be assessed:
- A research statement that is ambitious, innovative, and clearly aligned with the objectives of the María de Maeztu Challenge.
- Potential for high-impact contributions within the proposed research line.
- Strategic use of relevant infrastructures and resources.
Reference Letters — Maximum: 20 points
The following aspects will be assessed:
- Strength and relevance of the recommendations.
- Evidence of the applicant’s research capabilities, independence, and potential for future contributions.
2. Interview: maximum 20 points
Applicants who score at least 50 points in the merit-based evaluation will be invited to an interview. The interview will be conducted in English and may take place online via a video conferencing platform.
Format and Content
- A presentation by the candidate: The presentation will last up to 20 minutes.
- Applicants will present their professional profile, focusing on how it aligns with the position and the María de Maeztu Challenge.
- They will also outline their vision for future scientific development and how they plan to contribute to the research environment.
Following the presentation, the Selection Committee may ask questions related to:
- The applicant’s research background and achievements.
- The proposed research statement.
- Any other relevant aspects of the application.
Scoring Criteria — Maximum: 20 points
- Up to 10 points for the alignment of the applicant’s profile with the objectives of the position.
- Up to 10 points for the clarity, feasibility, and impact of the applicant’s future research vision.
A minimum of 10 points is required to pass the interview phase.
Funding:
These positions are financed by the State Agency for Research of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the "Unit of Excellence María de Maeztu 04/2019-03/2031" awarded to the Institute of Cosmos Sciences, grant CEX2024-001451-M funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.
The Unit of Excellence Maria de Maeztu recognition has been awarded by the Spanish Government in 2025 for the third time to the ICCUB, as a center with a highly competitive strategic research programmes in the frontiers of knowledge.