Gamma-ray Astrophysics, Astroparticle, and Cosmology
Scientic Supervisor / Contact Person
Name and Surname
Alberto Domínguez
ORCID (link)
Other ID (link)
Localization & Research Area
Faculty / Institute
Faculty of Physical Science
Department
Structure of the Matter, Applied Physics and Electronics
Research Area
Physics (PHY)
MSCA & ERC experience
Research group / research team hosted any MSCA fellow?
No
Research group / research team have any ERC beneficiaries?
No
Research Team & Research Topic
Research Team / Research Group Name (if any)
Grupo de Altas Energías / High-Energy Group
Website of the Research team / Research Group / Department
Brief description of the Research Team / Research Group / Department
The High Energy Physics Group (Grupo de Altas Energías, GAE) at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) is a leading research group specializing in astroparticle physics and observational gamma-ray astronomy. Established in 1987, it was the first Spanish group to engage in high-energy astrophysics and has since played a key role in international collaborations. GAE's research focuses on the study of non-thermal astrophysical phenomena, particularly very high-energy gamma rays and cosmic rays, as well as the development of advanced instrumentation and analysis techniques. The group is actively involved in major projects such as MAGIC and the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO), with some members also contributing to Fermi-LAT. GAE is a founding member of the Institute of Particle and Cosmos Physics (IPARCOS) at UCM, further strengthening its commitment to fundamental research in high-energy astrophysics.
Research lines / projects proposed
My research focuses on astrophysics, particularly the study of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and their high-energy emission. A central aspect of my work is the study of blazars, their spectral energy distributions, variability, and potential periodic signals, utilizing multiwavelength data, especially in the gamma-ray domain with Fermi-LAT and Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes. A major component involves the search for quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) in blazar light curves, which can provide information on the presence of supermassive binary black holes (SMBBHs) and jet dynamics. Another major research line is the study of extreme high synchrotron peak (EHSP) blazars, analyzing their physical properties and how they fit into the broader blazar evolution scheme. These objects challenge standard blazar unification models and may offer clues about particle acceleration mechanisms and the role of the extragalactic background light (EBL) in shaping their observed spectra. A third major focus of my research is the study of the EBL itself and its impact on understanding galaxy formation and cosmology through gamma-ray attenuation measurements. By using high-energy observations of blazars and other extragalactic sources, I work on constraining the EBL's evolution and its role in shaping the observable universe. Additionally, I contribute to the construction of Fermi-LAT source catalogs, including the observational classification and redshift determination of blazars and other gamma-ray sources through optical spectroscopy. Overall, my research takes a multiwavelength approach, with a strong emphasis on observational studies while also integrating theoretical models to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the physics governing these high-energy phenomena.
Candidates should hold a PhD in Physics and have an interest in astrophysics.
Candidates should hold a PhD in Physics and have an interest in astrophysics.
Key words
Application requirements
Professional Experience & Documents
Prospective candidates are invited to submit a brief cover letter outlining their motivation, along with a CV detailing their academic background and research achievements. Additionally, applicants should provide a concise summary (up to two pages) of their proposed MSCA project.
One Page Proposal
You can attach the 'One Page Proposal' to enhance the attractiveness of your application. Supervisors usually appreciate it. Please take into account your background and the information provided in Research Team & Research Topic section to fill in it.
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