Research Fellow in Numerical Cosmology

University of Melbourne; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 87,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Salary packaging

Health & wellbeing programs

Discounted services

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Melbourne invites applications for a Research Fellow in Numerical Cosmology in the School of Physics, Melbourne. You will join a leading astrophysics group to undertake research in inhomogeneous cosmology using numerical relativity simulations, theory, or observations.

Applicants should have a PhD in physics/astrophysics, experience with HPC, and a strong publication record. The role offers 17% superannuation, professional development, and opportunities for collaboration across

Qualifications

• PhD in physics/astrophysics or closely related field.
• Experience in numerical cosmology or general relativity.
• Strong publication record and ability to write manuscripts and reports.

Responsibilities

• Conduct internationally competitive research in general-relativistic inhomogeneous cosmology.
• Publish papers, present at seminars and conferences, and disseminate findings to academic and public audiences.
• Contribute to research funding proposals and engage with professional or industry partners to foster collaborations.
• Support training and co-supervision of undergraduate research students and mentor junior researchers.
• Contribute to School activities, committees, outreach and diversity initiatives, upholding University values.

Skills

Python

Fortran

C++

Numerical cosmology

General relativity

Education

PhD in physics/astrophysics

Tools

HPC

Job description

Role type: Full-time; Fixed-Term for 2 years

Faculty: Faculty of Science

Department/ School: School of Physics

Salary: Level A: $87,266 - $118,416 p.a. plus 17% super (PhD entry level $110,319)

• Innovative research in inhomogeneous cosmology / work with state-of-the-art numerical relativity simulations or observational data / collaborate within a vibrant astrophysics community.
• Advance numerical cosmology, strengthen your research profile and contribute to the development of future cosmological surveys.
• Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne

We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity

You will join a leading astrophysics group to undertake research in inhomogeneous cosmology from a numerical, theoretical, or observational perspective.

You will work with advanced general relativistic simulations, develop observational tests of standard cosmology, or contribute to our theoretical understanding of the inhomogeneous Universe.

You will develop your own research direction while collaborating with colleagues across the Astrophysics Group and School.

What you will deliver:

• Conduct internationally competitive research in the field of general-relativistic inhomogeneous cosmology.
• Publish high-quality papers, present at seminars and conferences, and disseminate findings to academic and public audiences.
• Contribute to research funding proposals and engage with professional or industry partners to foster collaborative projects.
• Support training and co-supervision of undergraduate research students and mentor junior researchers in your expertise area.
• Contribute to School activities, committees, outreach and diversity initiatives, while upholding University values and compliance.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a completed or near-completed PhD in physics, astrophysics or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrate experience in numerical cosmology or general relativity (broadly defined, e.g. simulations or numerical data analysis).
• Bring a sound publication record, and proven ability to prepare high-quality manuscripts and research reports.
• Possess proficiency with high-performance computing, simulated data handling, and languages such as Python, Fortran or C++.
• Manage research projects with limited supervision, showing excellent organisation, teamwork and ability to meet deadlines.
• Value building an academic research career, engaging collaboratively across diverse teams and contributing to inclusive environments.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!

We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave, and menstruation and menopause leave
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

Your new team – School of Physics

The Astrophysics Group sits within the School of Physics, a leading Australian centre for physics research.

You will join a diverse community of academics, researchers and students working across multiple frontier physics areas. The School hosts ARC Centres of Excellence and major national facilities, offering rich opportunities for collaboration and impact.

Within the Faculty of Science, you will benefit from world‑class infrastructure, strong interdisciplinary links and inclusive culture.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child‑safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier‑free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [e-mail].

Application essentials:

• This role is eligible for visa sponsorship and we welcome international applicants. If successful, we will support you through this process.
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.
• Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description. Learn more about responding to Selection Criteria

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Dr. Hayley Machperson at [e-mail]
• For questions related to our recruitment process email Oliver Bukasa at [e-mail]
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on [phone] or at [e-mail] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Applications close:

2 December 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description:

JR-019578 - Research Fellow in Numerical Cosmology - PD.docx

JR-019578 - Research Fellow in Numerical Cosmology - PD.pdf