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Weinberg fellowships in gravitation, multi-messenger astrophysics and AI/ML

The Center for Gravitational Physics (CGP) within the Weinberg Institute at the University of Texas at Austin invites applicants for multiple Weinberg Institute Postdoctoral Fellowships. These are full-time postdoctoral positions starting in September 2026.

This position is open to candidates in gravitational-wave physics, astrophysics and data analysis, especially in (but not limited to) the areas of:

(1) Cosmological inference with gravitational-wave observations
(2) Applications of AI/ML techniques broadly to astrophysics, cosmology or gravitational wave data analysis
(3) Nuclear astrophysics with gravitational-wave observations
(4) Gravitational-wave multimessenger astrophysics
(5) Numerical simulations of compact binaries

Applicants must submit a cover letter (no more than 1 page), CV, list of publications, a short statement of research interests (no more than 3 pages in length) and arrange to have at least three letters of reference uploaded to AJO. Applications are due November 21, 2025. The completion of a PhD is required prior to the beginning of this appointment. The initial appointment is for two years, with the possibility of extension to a third year subject to available funding and research performance.

Inquiries may be sent to Profs. Hsin-Yu Chen (hsinyu(at)austin.utexas.edu) or Jay Wadekar (jay.wadekar(at)utexas.edu).

McWilliams Postdoctoral Fellowship at Carnegie Mellon

The Department of Physics at Carnegie Mellon University invites applications for the McWilliams Postdoctoral Fellowship. McWilliams Fellows are expected to carry out their own programs of original research, independently or in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students. We welcome applications from researchers working in any area of astrophysics and/or cosmology. For full consideration, all materials should be received by November 10, 2025.

McWilliams Postdoctoral Fellows are part of CMU’s McWilliams Center for Cosmology and Astrophysics. The McWilliams Center synergizes research carried out in CMU’s Departments of Physics, Computer Science, Machine Learning, and Statistics, and enjoys close relationships with the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. Carnegie Mellon’s physics faculty hold leadership roles in multiple large sky surveys and consortia, including DES, DESI, HSC, LISA, and Rubin LSST. CMU is also a co-host of LINCC Frameworks which is developing analysis software infrastructure to enable the use of Rubin LSST data. Theoretical and observational studies within the Center cover a wide range of astrophysical phenomena, including galaxy and structure formation, black holes and gravitational waves, stellar evolution, gravitational lensing, dynamical detection of dark matter (see list of center faculty here). The McWilliams Center benefits from the Vera computing cluster at the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center, which provides high-performance computing resources on a variety of scales and works closely with our scientists.

Fellowship appointments are for 2 years, with renewal for a third year likely, contingent upon satisfactory progress. The position comes with a competitive salary, an annual research budget, health benefits, and relocation expenses.
Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or an adjacent field by the time of appointment, which is anticipated to begin September 1, 2026.

Application Instructions:
Applications should be uploaded to the Interfolio website and must include a curriculum vitae, publication list, a statement of research interests, and a cover letter. The cover letter should identify the applicant’s scientific background and goals, explain any synergies that make CMU a good fit for the proposed work, and can include examples of the candidate’s engagement within both academic and general public communities. There are no formal page limits, but the AAS Postdoctoral Guidelines should be seen as a target for length and detail.

In addition, candidates should arrange for three letters of recommendation to be uploaded (a prompt will be sent automatically to the applicant’s references when their contact information is entered at the Interfolio site). For full consideration, all materials should be received by November 10, 2025.

Please find here details and how to apply.

ESA Archival Research Visitor Programme

To increase the scientific return from its space science missions, ESA welcomes applications from scientists interested in pursuing research based on publicly available data in the ESA Space Science Archives. The Archives host data from all current and past ESA space science missions in astronomy, planetary science, and heliophysics.

The ESA Archival Research Visitor Programme is open to scientists at all career levels who are affiliated with institutes in ESA Member States and Cooperating States (note that all visits must comply with the ESA Security Directives, which may necessitate additional checks). Early-career scientists are particularly encouraged to apply, including PhD students (see below). We encourage applications from women and minorities. The peer-review evaluation process is anonymised to ensure equal opportunities for all applicants.

Residence lasts typically between one and three months, also distributed over multiple visits, depending on the complexity of the research project. The research projects can be carried out at ESAC (Madrid, Spain) and at ESTEC (Noordwijk, Netherlands). To offset the expenses incurred by visitors, ESA covers travel costs from and to the home institution and provides support for lodging expenses and meals.

During their stay, visiting scientists have the opportunity to interact with archive and mission specialists for questions on the retrieval, calibration, and analysis of archival data. In principle, all areas of space research covered by ESA science missions can be supported. To ensure that technical expertise in the specific area of interest is available at ESAC or ESTEC, applicants should consult the table of expertise and contact the relevant scientists in their field of interest (this is very important). In case of doubts, write to the programme coordinators for assistance at arvp@cosmos.esa.int.

The next deadline for applications is Monday 10 November 2025, 23:59 UTC

Call for applications

Applications can be submitted at any time by sending email to arvp(at)cosmos.esa.int. The email should contain a single PDF document of at most three pages detailing:

  • description of the goals of the research project
  • public archival data on which help is sought
  • which type of expertise you expect to gain
  • proposed time and duration of the visit
  • expected publications
  • contact information

Please keep it short (max 3 pages) and follow the simple template provided here. Note that this is just a template, you can use the font type and size that you prefer (not smaller than 10), but please do not exceed three pages. You must indicate the (expected) year of your PhD.

To prevent unconscious biases, your name, email address, and other contact information (on the third page) will not be visible to reviewers. To help in the process, you must write your application in an “anonymous” way, i.e. do not identify yourself in the text. For instance, do not mention the name of your institute or collaborators in the scientific description of the project (page 1 and 2) and when you are referring to one of your papers, do not write “I have shown that … (Author Name, 2023, Journal, 954, 125)”, but rather write “It has been shown that … (Author Name, 2023, Journal, 954, 125)”. If you identify yourself, the application will not be considered.

We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions about the data that could support your research project. You will find the names of our experts in the various science areas in the table of expertise below. Or write to the programme coordinators for assistance at arvp(at)cosmos.esa.int.

Students

We welcome proposals by graduate students. The proposals can be submitted by the students themselves or in collaboration with their supervisors. If you are a student and would like to visit ESA to learn more about doing science with archival data, make sure that you coordinate and agree your research project with your supervisor. Mention this in the application, but omit the name of the supervisor, otherwise the application is not anonymous.

Deadlines

Applications can be submitted at any time and are reviewed twice a year, with deadlines usually on 30 April and 31 October. The results of the review will be communicated to applicants within about two months of the deadlines. Applicants are encouraged to contact the ESA scientists or the programme coordinators well ahead of the deadlines in order to discuss their research plans.

Applications received by 10 November 2025 (23:59 UTC) will be considered for visits in spring and summer 2026.

Please find here full details.

Max Planck Research Group Leaders

The Max Planck Society (Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften e.V.; MPG) is a world-leading, independent, non-profit research organization with the goal of promoting cutting-edge basic research. Over 26,000 employees across 84 Max Planck Institutes and research facilities conduct basic research in the life and natural sciences as well as the humanities, social sciences and law and have a strong interest in innovative and interdisciplinary research. There are several Max Planck Institutes with astronomy-related research, including the MPI for Astronomy (Heidelberg), Radio Astronomy (Bonn), Astrophysics (Garching), Extraterrestrial Physics (Garching), Gravitational Physics (Golm/Hanover), Nuclear Physics (Heidelberg), Physics (Garching), and Solar System (Göttingen). For further details on the institutes, see https://www.mpg.de/institutes.

To support emerging scholars early in their career path, the MPG invites all outstanding scientists with a doctorate working in any field of research pursued in the organization to apply for one of several positions as Max Planck Research Group Leader (https://www.mpg.de/career/max-planck-research-groups/applications).

Successful candidates will lead their own independent Max Planck Research Group at a participating Max Planck Institute of their own choice for a period of six years. An extension of up to three more years is possible and subject to a positive evaluation as well as the respective legal regulations. Application deadline October 13th 2025.

The funding package covers a W2 position (equivalent to an assistant or non-tenured associate professor level), resources for scientific staff and a generous budget for equipment and consumables. The total funding for a Max Planck Research Group is competitive with other top international career development programmes and amounts to up to 2.7 million euros for the initial six years.

Once accepted for the position as Max Planck Research Group Leader, successful candidates can participate at the MPG/TUM career programme and apply for a position as Tenure Track Assistant Professor at the Technische Universität München. Tenure track options may also be possible with other universities on an individual basis. Furthermore, the MPG also considers promoting outstanding Research Group Leaders when filling vacant director positions.

Application Instructions
The MPG is an equal opportunities employer striving for greater gender equality and diversity. Therefore, applicants from all genders are welcome. Furthermore, the MPG is committed to increasing the number of individuals with severe disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

Your application should include the following documents:

  • a cover letter;
  • a CV;
  • a list of publications in which the applicant should identify the three most important papers that they have written. If they are not the first author, they should quantitatively specify their contribution to the paper;
  • a research summary limited to one page (11 point type, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 25mm margins on 4 sides) and written for a non-specialist, which explains the main goals of the research work and why the applicant’s preferred MPI and their proposed MPRG would be a good match;
  • a research proposal of no more than three pages total (11 point type, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 25mm margins on 4 sides) including all references, figures, and tables, written for a specialist;
  • links to or copies of the three most important papers;
  • two letters of recommendation.

Link to Online Application https://mprg.cloud.opencampus.net
Inquiries: mprg(at)gv.mpg.de

Please find here details.

Burke-Leinweber Fellowships in Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics at Caltech

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) solicits applications for the Prize Fellowship program of the  Walter Burke Institute for Theoretical Physics and the newly founded Leinweber Forum for Theoretical Physics. Fellowships are to begin in the Fall 2026, offering an opportunity for outstanding recent and new Ph.D. recipients to perform research at Caltech for three to four years. Application deadline November 15th 2025.

They are selected by a faculty committee representing all areas of theoretical physics and astrophysics at Caltech and are provided with:

flexibility, support, and freedom in choosing research directions within theoretical physics and astrophysics (including but not limited to theoretical astrophysics/cosmology, condensed matter theory, general relativity, particle/string theory, mathematical physics, and quantum information),
an inclusive environment with faculty mentorship and activities organized by the Burke Institute and Leinweber Forum to promote scientific exchanges and professional growth.

The Burke and Leinweber Fellowship program significantly expands and strengthens Caltech’s long-standing program of Prize Fellowships in Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics. The Prize Fellowship program has been successful with over 95 percent of the more than 120 former fellows holding distinguished academic positions, as shown at http://burkeinstitute.caltech.edu/people/postdoctoral-fellows.

Applicants should submit curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests (no more than 5 pages, excluding references), and a list of publications (refereed papers on top). Applicants should also ensure that at least three letters of reference are submitted on their behalf.

Applicants interested in being considered for a joint appointment in theoretical astrophysics with Carnegie Observatories must also apply here.

Qualifications and terms of appointment:

PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or related field (completed or expected by start date)
Eligibility extends to current postdoctoral scholars
Appointment term: 3 to 4 years
Salary: $85,000 in the first year
Research fund: $10,000 per annum
One-time allowance to assist with the move
Annual paid time off: 21 days, not including Caltech Holidays
Annual sick leave: 15 days
Health, dental, and vision insurance

Process timeline:

  • September 1, 2025: Applications are accepted
  • November 15, 2025: Deadline for applications, including reference letters
  • Mid-December 2025 – End of February 2026: Offers
  • View or update your application using the “Status” link after login

Please find here full details and to apply.

EXP Fellowships in Experimental Physics and Astrophysics at Caltech

The Caltech Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy offers a number of named Experimental Physics and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Prize Fellowships (EXP Fellowships). EXP Fellowships are for a three-year duration and to begin in the fall 2026, or a mutually agreeable date. Application deadline: November 1st 2025.

The EXP program has been established to offer scientists, typically within a few years after receipt of their PhD, the opportunity to pursue innovative experimental research, including but not limited to Astrophysics, Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics, Biophysics, Condensed Matter Physics, Soft Condensed Matter Physics, Gravitational Physics (via the dedicated Braginsky/Whitcomb Fellowship), High Energy Physics, Low-Energy Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, Quantum Information, or Cosmology.

It is expected that this research will require the support and facilities of one of the established experimental groups at Caltech (accessible from this list). Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact faculty members to gauge mutual interest.

In the case of astrophysics, only candidates with a focus on instrumentation and/or experimental laboratory work will be considered for EXP fellowships.

Electronic copies of the curriculum vitae, publications list (refereed papers on top), and statement of research interests are required. The research statement should be no more than 5 pages, excluding references. The applicant is requested to ensure that at least three letters of recommendation are submitted on their behalf.

Qualifications and terms of appointment:

PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or related field (completed or expected by start date)
Eligibility extends to current postdoctoral scholars
Appointment term: 3 years
Salary: $85,000 in the first year
Research fund: $10,000 per annum
One-time allowance to assist with the move
Annual vacations: 21 days, not including Caltech Holidays
Annual sick leave: 15 days
Health, dental, and vision insurance

Process timeline:

  • September 1, 2025: Applications are accepted
  • November 1, 2025: Deadline for applications, including reference letters
  • Mid-December 2025 – End of February 2026: Offers
  • View or update your application using the “Status” link after login

Please find here full details and to apply.

One postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for Theoretical Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences Warsaw

The Director of the Center for Theoretical Physics PAS (CTP PAS) invites applications for one 4-year postdoctoral fellowship at the CTP PAS, financed from the project Weave-UNISONO „Lensing of electromagnetic and gravitational waves”, financed by the National Science Center (GA no. UMO-2024/06/Y/ST2/00190). The PI of the project is dr hab. Mikołaj Korzyński. The research will be conducted in collaboration with the group of Dr. Marius Oancea from the University of Vienna. Application deadline: November 1st 2025.

The project aims: investigating
Optical drift effects close to caustics: investigating the effects of lens, observer and source transverse motion in strong gravitational lensing, for objects near caustics
Lensing of gravitational waves by strong gravitational fields: computing lensed gravitational waveforms originating from sources in strong-gravity Environments
Computing the effects of propagation of waves in curved spacetimes beyond
geometric optics using the Wigner function approach.
E-Mail rekrutacja(at)cft.edu.pl

Skills/Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate with a recognized PhD degree (obtained not earlier than in 2018) in stronomy, theoretical physics or a compatible field. Additionally, experience in any of the following three:

  • gravitational lensing
  • numerical methods in gravitational lensing, raytracing
  • gravitational waves

will be an additional advantage.

Languages ENGLISH
Level Excellent

Please find here full details and how to apply.

KICP Postdoctoral Research Fellow Chicago

The Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics (KICP) at the University of Chicago would like to invite applications for the KICP Postdoctoral Research Fellowship program. Scientists receiving a PhD in physics, astrophysics, astronomy, or related fields between June 2022 and September 2026 are welcome to apply. Successful applicants will conduct original research in experimental, observational, numerical, or theoretical cosmological physics, broadly defined. KICP Fellows are appointed to renewable one-year terms, for up to three years. Our positions carry a salary and benefits package comparable to other prize fellowships. Application deadline: October 31, 2025.

KICP Fellows are an integral part of the KICP community. The KICP is an interdisciplinary environment that brings together physicists and astronomers who range from experimentalists to observers, simulators, and theorists, to stimulate new ideas and push the forefront of cosmological research. Current topics of research in the institute include: the inflationary era; dark energy; dark matter; experimental and theoretical studies of the CMB; analysis of cosmological data including CMB, large-scale structure surveys (especially the Dark Energy Survey), and type Ia supernova; gravitational lensing and gravitational-wave studies; observational cosmology; experimental and theoretical particle astrophysics; near-field cosmology, and direct and indirect detection of dark matter. The KICP has an active program of visitors, symposia, and meetings as well as Education and Outreach opportunities. All members of the KICP are expected to adhere to our Community Values (https://kavlicosmo.uchicago.edu/about/diversity-inclusion/#CommunityValues). Information about the KICP can be found at the KICP website (https://kavlicosmo.uchicago.edu/).

To apply for a KICP Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, please complete the online application form at Academic Jobs Online (AJO). Requested information includes email contact information for 3 references who can independently write a letter of support for the applicant. Supplemental materials (Cover Letter; Curriculum Vitae; Research Statement – a one to three page document of your research accomplishments and plans; List of Publications) should be submitted as PDF files on the application form.

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Smith at jmsmith@uchicago.edu.

The positions will remain open until filled; however applicants are strongly encouraged to submit application by October 31, 2025 and ensure that 3 letters of recommendation are received by November 15, 2025. Review of applications will begin November 17, 2025. The positions are expected to begin in the Fall of 2026.

Please find here details.

Postdoc Position in Multi-messenger Astronomy and Data Science at Johns Hopkins University

The William H. Miller III Department of Physics and Astronomy at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) invites applications for one postdoctoral fellow position to pursue research in time-domain multi-messenger astrophysics with emphasis on data science and AI. The postdoctoral fellow will lead a project focused on developing optimized strategies for observing, processing, and archiving the datasets from current and future large astronomical facilities, with emphasis on radio interferometric arrays, in the pursuit of multi-messenger transients. Key to this project will be the application of AI techniques to streamline the translation of high-level science objectives into concrete observational and computational strategies. This work will be carried out under the supervision of Professor Alessandra Corsi, in close connection with collaborators at the JHU’s Institute for Data-Intensive Engineering and Science (part of the new Data Science and AI center), and at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Application deadline: September 30th, 2025.

Required qualifications are:

  • PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, or a related field.
  • Previous experience in data science, data reduction and analysis, and/or software development.
  • Established record of independent research. Research expertise in time domain and/or multi-messenger astrophysics.
  • Interested in developing new capabilities for observing and data processing of multi-messenger transients with modern astronomical data systems and ML/AI models.

Preferred qualifications include:

  • Experience with radio interferometric observing, data processing, and imaging.
  • Experience with modern machine learning / deep learning techniques and software packages.
  • Experience with time-series data of astronomical transients, including gravitational wave data analysis.
  • Experience with high-performance or high throughput computing (HPC/HTC).

The initial appointment is for 1 year. It is anticipated that the position will be renewed annually based on satisfactory performance, for a maximum of three years. Applications will be reviewed as received, starting September 30, 2025, and will remain open until the position is filled. Applications consist of a curriculum vitae, publication list and a description of past research and future interests (maximum of 3 pages including figures and references). Applicants should also arrange to have two or three letters of reference submitted by the same date. The start date is subject to negotiation, but preference will be given to candidates who can start no later than August 2026.

Please find here details.

Maria de Maeztu Postdoctoral position in Gravitational Waves Astronomy at the ICCUB

The Institute of Cosmos Sciences of the University of Barcelona (ICCUB) invites applications for a 3-year Postdoctoral position in gravitational wave astronomy, 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. Application deadline: November 30th, 2025.

The successful candidate will lead projects spanning both theoretical and data analysis aspects of gravitational wave science. Research topics may include, but not be limited to parameter estimation, gravitational lensing, numerical relativity simulations, detector characterization, mock data generation, neutron star asteroseismology, magnetohydrodynamic modeling of neutron stars and multimessenger signals, stellar/BH dynamics, tests of general relativity, relations to high energy and nuclear physics and connections to holography. The ICCUB is a member of the LVK Collaboration, the Einstein Telescope Collaboration and is contributing to the LISA mission on theoretical models, computing and instrumentation activities. We are also part of the Spanish RedONGRA network (Red Nacional en Ondas Gravitacionales), which fosters national collaboration in gravitational wave research. In addition, we are actively participating in surveys (ESA-Gaia, Weave, SDSS-IV) and EM follow-up missions at various wavelengths (BlackGEM, MAGIC and LSST), which allow scientists at the ICCUB (https://icc.ub.edu/research/gravitational-waves) to build an end-to-end understanding of all steps leading to GW sources. Prior research experience in gravitational wave data analysis is preferred, but not strictly required. Experience with large-scale computation, Bayesian methods, and/or machine learning/AI is considered a plus.

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.

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.
  1. 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.