Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Cosmology

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

Job summary

A prestigious research institution in England is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Cosmology. The post is for 24 months, focusing on cosmic microwave background physics and related fields. Candidates should hold or be nearing a doctorate in Physics, with experience in programming and data analysis. The role includes opportunities for research and teaching. Salary ranges from £39,474 to £47,779.

Qualifications

• Strong background in Physics or Astrophysics desirable.
• Experience in Cosmology, Computational Astrophysics, Early Universe or Gravitational Physics is advantageous.
• Ability to contribute new ideas for research projects and income generation.

Responsibilities

• Develop a personal research programme in theoretical cosmology.
• Manage academic research and administrative activities.
• Participate in seminars and journal clubs.
• Contribute to publications and presentations.
• Opportunity to teach as part of the role.

Skills

Programming experience

Data analysis

Collaboration skills

Education

Doctorate in Physics or related field

Job description

Overview

Applications are invited for a STFC Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Cosmology. The post is available initially for a fixed-term duration of 24 months.

The post holder will report to the group leader Pedro G. Ferreira and other members of the Beecroft Institute of Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (BIPAC). The post holder will be a member of a disparate research network, working independently to carry out research in cosmic microwave background physics or one or more of the following fields: cosmology, galaxy formation, numerical astrophysics, survey science tied to large-scale surveys, early universe and gravitational physics. Good programming experience, enthusiasm for coding and data analysis, and the ability to work in a large collaboration are particularly relevant for this post.

Responsibilities

• Develop a personal research programme in theoretical cosmology, which may include numerical modelling and/or data analysis, and interact with faculty members.
• Demonstrate the ability to manage their own academic research and administrative activities, potentially including small-scale project management, and co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.
• Take part in the academic life of BIPAC and the physics department, including attending and taking part in seminars, colloquia and journal clubs.
• Contribute to publications and/or presentations and bring new ideas for research projects and research income generation.
• Opportunity to teach as part of the role.

Qualifications and Experience

• Applicants should possess, or be close to obtaining, a doctorate in physics or a related field; ideally a strong background in Physics or Astrophysics.
• Experience in Cosmology, Computational Astrophysics, Early Universe or Gravitational Physics is advantageous.
• Experience contributing to publications and/or presentations; ability to contribute new ideas for research projects and income generation.
• Good programming experience, enthusiasm for coding and data analysis, and the ability to work in a large collaboration.

Additional Information

• The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach.
• Please direct enquiries about the role to [e-mail].
• Only applications received before midday Friday 27 November 2025 can be considered. You will be required to upload a supporting statement, CV and details of two referees as part of your online application. Your referees should be asked to send their letters, before the application deadline, to [e-mail].

Contact and Appointment Details

• Recruitment Team
• Vacancy ID: 181830
• Closing Date & Time: 27-Nov-2025 12:00
• Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 7
• Salary: Grade 7 £39,474 - £47,779
• Contact Email: [e-mail]