PhD Student - Massive black holes and gravitational waves (Open)
Pre-doctoral position
Position category:
PhD Student
Reference:
2026/08
Duration:
4 years
Application deadline:
2026/02/26
For more info contact the supervisors:
Silvia Bonoli
silvia.bonoli@dipc.org
silvia.bonoli@dipc.org
We are currently accepting applications for a PhD student position within the framework of the Severo Ochoa program.
This is a unique opportunity for highly motivated students recently graduated from the University in Physics or related fields to gain research experience in one of DIPC’s high-profile research teams.
The role
The Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), located in Donostia / San Sebastian, Spain, is accepting applications for a doctoral position in massive black holes and their connection with the large scale structure. The successful candidate will join the DIPC astro group.
Desired background & competences
Experience in galaxy formation models, dark matter simulations or gravitational waves is desirable but not essential.
Working conditions
- Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
We provide a highly stimulating research environment, and unique professional career development opportunities.
We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.
The center
DIPC is a research center whose mission is to perform and catalyze cutting-edge research in physics and related disciplines, as well as to convey scientific culture to society. Located in Donostia / San Sebastian (Basque Country, Spain), DIPC was born from a strategic alliance of both public institutions and private companies. Since 2008 DIPC is a 'Basque Excellence Research Center' (BERC) recognized by the Basque Government's Department of Education. In 2019, DIPC was also recognized as a "Severo Ochoa" Excellence Center by the Spanish Research Agency.
About the team
The group’s research includes numerical simulations of structure formation and galaxy evolution (dark matter/hydrodynamical/semi-analytical), large galaxy surveys and the physics of globular clusters. The group is involved in the Euclid, the Athena and the LISA missions and the J-PAS and the WEAVE-QSO surveys.
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit an updated CV, academic transcripts and a brief statement of interest to the application email listed above. The candidate should also arrange for two reference letters to be sent to the same address.
Reference letters are welcome but not indispensable.
The reference of the specific opening to which the candidate is applying should be stated in the subject line, and the application must be received before the application deadline. Even though the deadline is February 26, it may be extended until the position is filled.
Although candidates are welcome to contact the project supervisors to know further details about the proposed research activity, please be aware that the application will be evaluated only if it is submitted directly to the email address listed below as application email.
- Reference: 2026/08
- Application deadline: 2026/02/26
- Application email: jobs.research@dipc.org
Selection process
Applications received by the deadline will be evaluated by a Committee designed by the DIPC board on the basis of the following criteria:
- CV of the candidate (40%)
- Adequacy of the candidate’s scientific background to the project (40%)
- Statement of interest / Reference letters (10%)
- Other: Diversity in gender, race, nationality, etc. (10%)
Evaluation results will be communicated to the candidates soon after. Positions will only be filled if qualified candidates are found.
The DIPC may revoke its decision if the candidate fails to join by the appointed time, in which case the position will be awarded to the candidate with the next highest score, provided it is above 50 (out of 100).
However, the selected candidate may keep the position if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, the candidate duly justifies the reasons why he or she cannot join before the specified deadline, and as long as the project allows it.
The contract is part of the CEX2024-001491-S grant, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033
