Lancaster University
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Supernova Cosmology - 1077-26
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact Mathew Smith at mat.smith@lancaster.ac.uk.
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
- 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
Application instructions
- Applications must be submitted through the Lancaster University online portal
Contact info
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London