The Institute of Cosmos Sciences of the University of Barcelona (ICCUB), a Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excellence, is seeking outstanding established researchers interested in applying for an ICREA Senior position in the 2027 call.
The 2027 call will include the areas of Experimental Sciences & Mathematics and Engineering Sciences. ICCUB is interested in identifying and supporting excellent candidates whose research interests align with the scientific activities and strategy of the Institute.
The ICREA programme
The Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA) offers permanent positions in the Catalan research system for senior researchers. Successful candidates are appointed as ICREA Research Professors, become ICREA employees, and carry out their research at a host university or research institution in Catalonia.
Selection is based on international peer evaluation, with scientific excellence and leadership as the principal criteria. ICREA seeks researchers in an expansive phase of their careers, with an outstanding research record, demonstrated scientific leadership, and preferably a strong international trajectory. Further information is available in the ICREA evaluation guide.
Prospective applicants should note that the ICREA Senior call targets established researchers. In recent calls, with few exceptions, successful candidates have had approximately a decade or more of research experience after the PhD. This is an indication of the typical career stage rather than a formal eligibility requirement. Applications from women are especially welcome.
The call is open to researchers worldwide holding a PhD and meeting the ICREA eligibility requirements. In particular, candidates must not have held a permanent position in the Catalan research system before the relevant eligibility date (currently expected to be March 5, 2027, to be confirmed once the 2027 call rules are published).
An ICREA application requires an Expression of Interest from at least one eligible host institution. ICREA positions are not compatible with permanent positions outside the Catalan research system, including part-time permanent positions.
How to apply for ICCUB endorsement
Researchers interested in obtaining ICCUB support for an ICREA 2027 application should first contact a permanent member of ICCUB staff willing to act as their internal sponsor during the pre-selection process. Only candidates who receive a positive response from a prospective internal sponsor will enter the ICCUB pre-selection process.
Following this initial contact, candidates may be invited to submit a CV and a brief statement of research interests highlighting the alignment of their research programme with ICCUB.
Applications received by November 1, 2026 will receive full consideration. These discussions will form part of the assessment leading to the final decision on ICCUB.
An ICCUB search committee will invite shortlisted candidates to give a scientific seminar at ICCUB and discuss their research programme with members of the Institute.
Applicants who have not received an invitation by December 1, 2026 should consider their request for ICCUB endorsement unsuccessful for the 2027 ICREA call.
The Institute of Cosmos Sciences
The Institute of Cosmos Sciences (ICCUB) at the University of Barcelona is an interdisciplinary centre for fundamental research in cosmology, astrophysics, particle physics, quantum physics, and nuclear physics. Its activities span theoretical, observational, and experimental approaches, with strong participation in major international collaborations and programmes in technology development and knowledge transfer. ICCUB has been awarded the María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence distinction three times.
ICCUB offers a stimulating and inclusive international research environment, with activities ranging from cosmology and large-scale structure to particle and gravitational physics, galaxy evolution, gravitational-wave sources, nuclear physics, high-energy astrophysics, and quantum technologies. The Institute also hosts an Advanced Technology Unit supporting cutting-edge experimental research and is strongly engaged in graduate training, scientific outreach, and knowledge transfer.
Further information is available at https://icc.ub.edu/.