Postdoctoral Research Associate in Supernova Cosmology

Lancaster University; Bailrigg; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancaster University’s School of Physics and Astronomy invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Supernova Cosmology. The successful candidate will join Dr Mathew Smith on an STFC-funded project to build a low-redshift SNeIa sample from ZTF and combine with high-redshift measurements from DES and LSST to constrain the dark energy equation of state.

The role focuses on developing a simulation and inference framework for ZTF and modelling environmental biases and survey

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in astrophysics, physics, cosmology or related field.
• Strong scientific programming skills (Python).
• Research experience in supernova cosmology, statistical or systematic-uncertainty analysis, or large-scale survey science.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop a simulation and cosmological inference framework for the ZTF survey.
• Measure environmental biases and selection effects in the data.
• Collaborate with the ZTF Collaboration and Observational Astrophysics group.
• Prepare results for publication and presentation.

Skills

Python

Supernova cosmology

Statistical analysis

Teamwork

Education

PhD in astrophysics / cosmology

Job description

Lancaster University's School of Physics and Astronomy seeks to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Supernova Cosmology. The successful candidate will work with Dr Mathew Smith on an STFC-funded project to build an independent, homogeneous, low-redshift sample of SNeIa from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF), and combine it with measurements at high redshift (e.g. from the Dark Energy Survey, the Vera Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST)) to measure the equation-of-state of dark energy.

The work will primarily focus on two closely related areas: developing a simulation and cosmological inference framework for the ZTF survey; and measuring and modelling environmental biases, including how these interact with the survey's selection effects. The output of this project will be a low-redshift anchor suitable for use by the Vera Rubin/LSST and 4MOST-TiDES surveys.

Candidates with experience in supernova cosmology are encouraged to apply. The post is available immediately, with an anticipated start date of 1st January 2027 (a later start, up to early Spring 2027, can be accommodated). The appointment is a fixed-term contract until September 2029.

In addition to joining the ZTF Collaboration, the selected candidate will join the wider Observational Astrophysics group at Lancaster, a friendly and collaborative research environment. The candidate will be welcome to participate in group research activities, which cover diverse topics including transients, high-redshift galaxies, galaxy evolution, gravitational waves and citizen science projects, and will have regular opportunities to exchange ideas across these areas.

If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact Mathew Smith at [e-mail].

Qualifications:

A PhD (or near completion) in astrophysics, physics, cosmology or a related field; strong scientific programming skills (Python); research experience in supernova cosmology, statistical or systematic-uncertainty analysis, or large-scale survey science. Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Application Requirements:

CV, publication list, and a 2-page research statement describing past research experience and its relevance to the project's science goals.

Deadline:

Applications received by Friday 30th October 2026, midnight UK time will receive full consideration.

Compensation:

Salary commensurate with a standard postdoctoral researcher role at Lancaster.

Contact info:

[e-mail]

Further Details:

Job Description
Person Specification

Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.

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£39,906 to £46,049 (Full time, indefinite with end date)