IFAE is a 51–200-person research institute founded in 1991, conducting experimental and theoretical work across particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. The tech stack—CAD tools (Solidworks, Cadence), hardware description languages (VHDL, Verilog), and Python—reflects a dual-track operation: large-scale physics collaboration (ATLAS, T2K, MAGIC, Dark Energy Survey) and active detector development for medical imaging and industrial applications. Hiring velocity is accelerating with research roles dominating the active pipeline, alongside a notable concentration of mid- and senior-level positions, suggesting structured growth in both experimental capacity and technical IP development.
Notable leadership hires: Director
IFAE conducts experimental and theoretical research in particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology from its base in Bellaterra, Barcelona. The institute participates in major international collaborations including the ATLAS detector at CERN's Large Hadron Collider, the T2K neutrino experiment in Japan, the MAGIC telescopes in La Palma, and the Dark Energy Survey in Chile. A core operational focus is detector technology—pixel detectors for high-energy physics, telescope cameras, and radiation detectors for medical imaging. The organization also manages venture creation and spin-off growth initiatives, reflecting efforts to commercialize research outputs. EU research grant management and financial sustainability are material operational concerns.
IFAE uses CAD and circuit design tools (Solidworks, Cadence, PSPICE, ORCAD), hardware description languages (VHDL, Verilog), Python, C/C++, Linux, and LSST software. Engineering work also employs Xilinx FPGA platforms and Raspberry Pi prototyping.
Current projects include inner tracker pixel detector development, radiation detectors for medical applications, depleted monolithic active pixel sensor R&D, stray light control systems, and detector property evaluation. IFAE also manages venture creation and spin-off growth initiatives.
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