Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cosmology

The University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in large-scale structure cosmology. The position involves developing analysis techniques for the Euclid mission and contributing to data analysis. The successful candidate should possess a PhD in astronomy or equivalent, and relevant research experience in cosmology. This full-time role offers a salary between £41,064 and £48,822, with hybrid working options considered. The contract is fixed for 3 years with a start date no later than 1st October 2026.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Competitive pension schemes

Staff discounts

Family-friendly initiatives

Qualifications

• Possess, or about to be awarded, a PhD in astronomy or a related scientific discipline.
• Relevant research experience in cosmology or related fields.
• Record of high-quality lead-author or co-authored refereed journal publications.

Responsibilities

• Join the research group at the Institute for Astronomy.
• Develop and apply analysis techniques for weak gravitational lensing.
• Contribute to the scientific analysis of data from the Euclid mission.

Skills

PhD in astronomy or related discipline

Relevant research experience in cosmology

Ability to communicate complex information clearly

High degree of initiative

Education

PhD

Job description

Grade UE07: £41,064 to £48,822 per annum

CSE / School of Physics and Astronomy

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: 3 years

The Opportunity

We seek applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the field of large-scale structure cosmology. The successful candidate will join the research group led by Dr Alex Hall at the Institute for Astronomy (IfA) at the University of Edinburgh.

The research aims of this position are to tackle key challenges in cosmology relevant to the Euclid mission and to contribute to the scientific analysis of data from Euclid. The position will have a particular focus on developing and applying analysis techniques for weak gravitational lensing and photometric galaxy clustering to enhance the cosmological science returns from Euclid.

The Euclid space telescope was launched in July 2023, and the Euclid Consortium is currently preparing its first major data release, DR1, and cosmology analysis. The second cosmological data release, DR2 is scheduled for March 2029, aligning well with the timeline of this 3-year position. The successful applicant will be expected to become an active member of the Euclid Consortium (https://www.euclid-ec.org/).

This post is full-time (35 hours per week). We are open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

This post is fixed term for 3 years, with a start date no later than 1st October 2026.

The salary for this post is £41,064 to £48,822 per annum.

Your skills and attributes for success

• Possess, or about to be awarded, a PhD in astronomy or a related scientific discipline.
• Relevant research experience (including PhD) in cosmology or related fields, with excellent research-level understanding of the area.
• Record of high-quality lead-author and co-authored refereed journal publications (relative to career stage).
• Capable of working independently, exercising a high degree of initiative, and with the ability to think creatively.
• Able to communicate complex information clearly, orally and in writing.

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Application Information

Please ensure you include the following documents in your application:

• CV
• Cover letter
• A short (maximum 2 pages) document describing your previous research and future research plans.

As a valued member of our team you can expect

• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits.

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab)

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 9th January 2026.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.