The Department of Particle Physics (DPhP) at the Institute for Research on the Fundamental Laws of the Universe (IRFU) at CEA Paris-Saclay is inviting applications for the recruitment in 2026 of a permanent researcher in ultra-high-energy gamma-ray astronomy.

The scientific activities of the DPhP cover the study of elementary constituents at the highest energies in colliders, neutrino physics, gamma-ray astronomy, cosmology, the study of gravitational waves, and upstream instrumentation.

In the field of ultra-high-energy gamma-ray astronomy, the department studies the most extreme phenomena in the Universe and searches for dark matter using arrays of ground-based Cherenkov telescopes. It exploits data from the H.E.S.S. experiment, in particular for the study of the galactic center, a key region for the search for dark matter particles, the analysis of diffuse emissions, and the exploration of new theories.

The department also plays a major role in the scientific and instrumental preparation of the future CTAO. It is responsible for the NectarCAM cameras for the Medium-Sized Telescopes and the design and qualification of the associated mirrors. The next five years will be marked by an intense phase of installation and commissioning of telescopes in Chile (scheduled for fall 2026) and the Canary Islands, in preparation for the subsequent exploitation of the data.

We are looking for motivated candidates with a PhD in fundamental physics, experimental physicists of an excellent scientific level, who wish to join the department’s Gamma Astronomy group. The skills sought relate to data analysis and interpretation, understanding of issues in gamma-ray astronomy, and instrumental knowledge to enable a strong contribution to the installation and commissioning of CTAO telescopes, in particular NectarCAM.

The application file must contain:

• a curriculum vitae;
• a photocopy of your identity card or passport;
• a cover letter;
• a description of the candidate’s past scientific activity (maximum 4 pages);
• a description of the candidate’s future research project (maximum 3 pages);
• a list of publications and internal notes highlighting the candidate’s personal contributions. The most significant ones (maximum 3) should be attached;
• a list of presentations at conferences, workshops, and seminars;
• 3 letters of recommendation (to be sent directly to the DPhP secretariat);
• 2 or 3 names of people who can be contacted for reference.

This file in PDF format must be received in full by March 13, 2026, at the latest, at the following address: Irfu-dphp-contact@cea.fr

After a preliminary selection based on applications, scheduled for April 2026, successful candidates will be interviewed in May 2026.

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us by telephone on +33 (1) 69 08 23 50 or by email at the department secretariat: Sarra.Bounab@cea.fr