La Caixa Foundation & The Institute for Theoretical Physics UAM-CSIC - Instituto de Física Teórica - Severo Ochoa (IFT) PhD Fellowhips

Severo Ochoa PhD Fellowship at the IFT (Madrid)

You will be offered a paid PhD post for four years with a salary of approximately 1,180 EUR per month and comprehensive health insurance. In addition to your salary, you will join a research group that has its own budget for research trips abroad, training courses and workshops, meaning that your professional development will also be funded. A scholarship here means a full-time, paid contract for your PhD. Funding is provided by the Instituto de Física Teórica (IFT) in Madrid, a joint institute of the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).

Who can apply

• Degree: You must hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification that entitles you to undertake a PhD programme. You must have obtained this qualification by the time the contract is signed, not at the time of application.
• Field of study: You would like to undertake your PhD in one of the research areas of theoretical physics at the IFT, such as particle theory, cosmology and gravitation, string theory, nuclear physics or quantum information.
• Grades: You have an excellent academic record.
• Where you go: You’re doing your PhD at the IFT in Madrid, Spain.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. Women and people from diverse backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Supervisor: You don’t necessarily have to find a supervisor beforehand, but it is an advantage.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the IFT’s online portal by 12 June 2026, 3 p.m. Madrid time. Please submit a CV in English or Spanish (a brief research statement is optional), your degree certificates and letters of recommendation.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a highly competitive award. In an earlier round, the IFT shortlisted five candidates from more than 140 applications. The field is tight, as you must align with one of the institute’s key research areas in theoretical physics and demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. If your degree course clearly aligns with one of these research areas and your grades are good, you have a genuine chance of success. By contacting a potential supervisor at an early stage, you can set yourself apart from other applicants.