Postdoctoral Research Associate in Supernova Cosmology
Lancaster University · United Kingdom
Postdoctoral Research Associate position at Lancaster University working on supernova cosmology. The role involves developing simulation and inference frameworks for the Zwicky Transient Facility survey and measuring environmental biases to constrain dark energy. Candidates should have experience in supernova cosmology, strong Python skills, and expertise in statistical analysis or survey science.
This opportunity has closed.
About this opportunity
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 mat.smith@lancaster.ac.uk .
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.
Application instructions: Applications must be submitted through the Lancaster University online portal.
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.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Transient Astrophysics
Eligibility
Not specified by the source
Academic requirements
Not specified by the source
English language requirements
Not specified by the source
How to apply
Not specified by the source