Postdoctoral and Visiting Research Opportunities

Physics World; Swansea; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research group at a UK university is seeking candidates for postdoctoral fellowship opportunities in theoretical cosmology and gravitational-wave physics. Applicants should hold a PhD and have a strong publication record, with a focus on developing competitive fellowship proposals. Join a vibrant team with access to cutting-edge research and international collaborations. Candidates are encouraged to send applications including a CV and research proposal.

Benefits

Access to mentorship from senior faculty

Participation in international collaborations

Beautiful coastal setting with affordable living

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability for independent research with strong publications.
• Motivated to develop competitive fellowship proposals.
• Experience in gravitational-wave physics or related areas advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in theoretical cosmology and gravitational-wave physics.
• Apply for competitive fellowships and manage research projects.

Skills

Independent research ability

Strong communication skills

Publication record

Education

PhD in astrophysics, cosmology, or related fields

Job description

Postdoctoral and Visiting Research Opportunities

Research Group in Theoretical Cosmology and Gravity

Swansea University, UK

The Research Group in Theoretical Cosmology and Gravity at Swansea University (UK) welcomes expressions of interest from highly motivated candidates interested in postdoctoral fellowship opportunities in theoretical cosmology and gravitational-wave physics, broadly defined. We also welcome visiting scientists interested in short- or medium-term research visits and collaborations.

We seek creative and ambitious researchers eager to join a vibrant, internationally recognised team working at the frontiers of cosmology and gravity. Applicants should hold (or soon obtain) their own funding or plan to apply for competitive fellowships.

Funding Schemes and Deadlines

• Royal Commission 1851 Research Fellowship – https://royalcommission1851.org/fellowships/research-fellowships (deadline: 13 January 2026)
• Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship – https://www.leverhulme.ac.uk/early-career-fellows (deadline: 19 February 2026)
• Daphne Jackson Fellowships – https://daphnejackson.org/about-fellowships/ (no fixed deadline)

Our group provides guidance and mentorship during the preparation of fellowship applications, including identifying funding schemes that best match each candidate’s profile.

About the Group

The group led by Azadeh Maleknejad, Gianmassimo Tasinato and Ivonne Zavala works on cutting‑edge research in cosmology, gravitational-wave science and quantum field theory in curved spacetimes. We emphasise connecting theoretical ideas with phenomenology and experiment.

We are part of the Centre for Quantum Fields and Gravity at Swansea University, a hub for research in string theory, QCD and AI for fundamental physics. The group includes postdoctoral researchers and several PhD students, fostering an international, collaborative and supportive environment.

We are active members of major international collaborations, including: Einstein Telescope, LISA, NANOGrav, SKA and Euclid.

Research Areas of Interest

• Early‑Universe Cosmology & QFT in Curved Spacetimes: quantum origins of the Universe, fundamental interactions and their observational signatures.
• Cosmological Gravitational‑Wave Backgrounds: theoretical modelling, data analysis and links to physics beyond the Standard Model.
• Testing Gravity with Cosmology and GW Observations: using PTA data, LISA, the Einstein Telescope, SKA and Euclid to probe gravity across scales.
• Machine Learning for Cosmology: applying AI and ML to reconstruct dark‑universe physics from current and future data sets.

Candidate Profile

• PhD in astrophysics, cosmology, gravitational‑wave physics, high‑energy physics or general relativity.
• Demonstrated ability for independent research and a strong publication record (advantageous for fellowship applications).
• Strong communication skills and motivation to develop a competitive fellowship proposal.
• We particularly welcome applications from groups under‑represented in physics.

What We Offer

• Excellent research environment: access to a dynamic research community, mentorship from senior faculty and participation in world‑leading international collaborations (LISA, ET, NANOGrav, etc.).
• Collaborative atmosphere: regular seminars, group meetings and opportunities to host visitors and attend international workshops.
• Quality of life: Swansea offers a beautiful coastal setting, affordable living and a welcoming academic community supportive of early‑career researchers.

Funding and Application Process

• Candidates are strongly encouraged to identify suitable funding schemes and indicate these in their application.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
• Initial review deadline: 12 December 2025.
• Please send the following documents:
  • Cover letter (including intended funding scheme and preferred start date)
  • CV
  • Brief research proposal (2 pages)
  • Contact details of two referees

Send materials to:

• Azadeh Maleknejad: [e-mail]
• Ivonne Zavala: [e-mail]
• Referees will be contacted at a later stage for shortlisted applicants.

For additional details, please contact:

Azadeh Maleknejad: [e-mail]

Ivonne Zavala: [e-mail]