Postdoctoral Research Assistance in Supernova Cosmology (2 posts)

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Oxford invites applications for postdoctoral positions in supernovae cosmology and time-domain astrophysics, focusing on data from Rubin, 4MOST and Euclid.

Successful candidates will lead research on Type Ia supernova cosmology, data analysis, and spectroscopic follow-up. The role offers a full-time fixed-term contract until 30 June 2028 with possible extension, and the chance to work within Oxford's vibrant astrophysics community.

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in astrophysics or physics.
• Experience in Type Ia supernova cosmology and/or transient data acquisition.
• Evidence of independent work and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects on Type Ia supernova cosmology using Rubin/4MOST/Euclid data.
• Develop and apply data analysis and statistical methods for cosmology.
• Supervise graduate students and contribute to outreach activities.

Skills

PhD in astrophysics or physics

Experience in Type Ia supernova cosmol

Data analysis and statistics

Education

PhD (or near completion)

Tools

Supernova modelling

Simulations

Spectroscopic data handling

Job description

Department of Physics, Denys Wilkinson Building, Oxford

Applications are invited for postdoctoral positions in supernovae cosmology and time-domain astrophysics with Rubin, 4MOST and Euclid.

The candidates will lead research projects related to Type Ia Supernova cosmology, with a focus on data from Rubin, 4MOST and Euclid data. Candidates will lead research projects in Type Ia supernova cosmology, with a particular emphasis on data from Rubin Observatory, 4MOST, ATLAS, Euclid.

Projects may span a broad range of topics, including improving supernova modelling and standardization, developing and implementing novel data analysis and statistical methods for Type Ia supernova cosmology, and contributing to data acquisition and spectroscopic follow-up of upcoming large transient surveys (e.g. Rubin/ATLAS) using 4MOST and other spectroscopic facilities.

The candidates will benefit from the vibrant Astrophysics community at Oxford, which hosts both the Hintze Centre for Astrophysical Surveys and the Beecroft Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology. The candidates have the opportunity to assist with the supervision of graduate students and outreach activities.

Successful candidates should hold PhD (or be close to completion) in a relevant area of astrophysics or physics, and should have experience in Type Ia supernova cosmology (supernova modelling, simulations, data analysis and statistical methods) and/or transient data acquisition. Candidates must demonstrate excellent communication skills. In addition, they may take advantage of opportunities for tutorial-based teaching and may benefit from a college association. Evidence of a capacity to work independently and have sufficient specialist knowledge and technical skills to work within established research programmes are required.

Please direct enquiries about the role to Prof. Maria Vincenzi ([e-mail]).

This is a full-time post, fixed term until 30 June 2028. Extension may be possible depending on funding applications.

Only applications received before midday on Friday, 20 November 2026 will be considered.

£39,474 to £47,779 per annum: Grade 7