Postdoctoral Research Associate in Supernova Cosmology

Lancaster University; Lancaster; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 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 role focuses on building a homogeneous, low-redshift SNeIa sample from ZTF and combining it with high-redshift measurements to constrain dark energy.

The successful candidate will develop a simulation and inference framework for ZTF, study environmental biases, and join the ZTF Collaboration plus the Observational Astrophysics group.

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.

Responsibilities

• Develop simulation and cosmological inference framework for the ZTF survey.
• Measure environmental biases and how they interact with survey selection effects.
• Collaborate with ZTF Collaboration and the Observational Astrophysics group at Lancaster.

Skills

Python programming

Data analysis

Education

PhD in astrophysics

Tools

Python

HPC

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Supernova Cosmology

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.