Lancaster University
Senior Research Associates in Supernova Environments - 0662-26
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Senior Research Associates in Supernova Environments
Physics
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (Full time, indefinite with end date)
Closing Date: Friday 18 September 2026
Interview Date: Thursday 15 October 2026
Reference: 0662-26
Senior Research Associate(s) in Supernova Environments
The Lancaster University School of Physics and Astronomy seeks to appoint up to three postdoctoral researchers in the field of supernova environments. The successful candidate(s) will work with Prof Isobel Hook on the ERC Advanced Grant project “Sparkles”, which aims to use new observations of supernovae and their host galaxies to improve cosmological measurements with Type Ia supernovae.
The work will primarily focus on new data from the Euclid mission (launched in July 2023) which is providing high resolution imaging of the sky at visible and infrared wavelengths. In addition, the Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) is beginning to discover supernovae and the 4MOST spectroscopic instrument is poised to obtain spectra of a subset of these. Furthermore, NASA's Roman Space Telescope is expected to begin delivering data shortly. These new facilities together will revolutionise the use of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) for cosmology.
We are seeking to recruit new postdoctoral researchers in one or more of the following areas:
- Galaxy morphology and stellar populations within galaxies, as related to supernovae (of all types). The successful candidate will contribute to collecting and analysing new data on host galaxies of SNe. He/she will analyse the relationship between the derived galaxy physical parameters (both global and locally at the SN position) and properties of the SNe themselves.
- Near-IR detections of supernovae and constraints on dust obscuration. The successful candidate will assemble a set of space-based NIR observations of transients that have optical lightcurves from LSST. He/she will analyse the optical + NIR lightcurves to determine the impact of dust on the population of distant SNe, with a focus on Type Ia SNe.
- Type Ia SN cosmology. The successful candidate will bring together the results of host galaxy and dust studies to determine and apply the optimal environmental corrections to be used in SN Ia cosmology.
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The position(s) are funded for 4 years and come with funding for travel and computing. Start dates are expected to range from January 2027 to January 2028.
People with experience in optical and/or NIR surveys for astronomical transients, the study of supernova host galaxies and/or the use of Type Ia supernovae for cosmology are encouraged to apply. Experience in the management of large datasets and experience in the use of software tools relevant for the selection, follow-up and analysis of supernovae and their host galaxies are desirable.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Prof. Isobel Hook (i.hook@lancaster.ac.uk) for further information on the position before submitting their application.
In addition to joining the Sparkles team, the selected candidate(s) will join the wider Observational Astrophysics group at Lancaster. Members of the group pursue research in diverse and complementary topics including transients, high-redshift galaxies, star formation, galaxy evolution, multi-messenger astrophysics, gravitational waves and citizen science projects. You will be welcome to participate in group research activities.
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You must have earned a PhD in astronomy or a related field by the start date, or be close to completion. Further criteria are given in the attached job description and person specification. To apply, you should submit (1) a curriculum vitae with publications list; (2) a statement describing your interest in and suitability for the position(s), not to exceed 2 pages; and (3) a list containing contact information for 2 reference letter writers. Letters of reference will be requested for shortlisted candidates.
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Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.
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