Postdoctoral Research Associate in Supernova Cosmology - 1077-26

Lancaster University; Lancashire; Presencial; GBP 40.000 - 46.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Lancaster University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Supernova Cosmology. The role focuses on building a homogeneous, low-redshift sample of SNeIa from ZTF and combining with high-redshift data to constrain dark energy.

Ideal candidates will have a PhD in relevant fields, strong Python skills, and experience in supernova cosmology or survey science. Start date around 1 January 2027; contract until September 2029.

Formación

• PhD (or near completion) in astrophysics, physics, cosmology or a related field.
• Strong scientific programming skills (Python) and experience in cosmology or large-scale surveys.

Responsabilidades

• Develop a simulation and cosmological inference framework for the ZTF survey.
• Measure and model environmental biases and selection effects.
• Contribute to a low-redshift anchor for Vera Rubin/LSST and 4MOST-TiDES surveys.

Conocimientos

Python

Supernova cosmology

Statistical analysis

Survey science

Teamwork

Educación

PhD in astrophysics/physics/cosmology

Descripción del empleo

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Supernova Cosmology

School Of Physics And Astronomy

Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK

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

Closing Date: Friday 30 October 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Reference: 1077-26

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]

Person Specification

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

Find out what it's like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace.

The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues.

We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.