Research Associate/Assistant in Cosmology and large-scale structure (Fixed-Term
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.
Position Overview
The Institute of Astronomy (IoA) at the University of Cambridge invites applications for a three-year postdoctoral research associate position in cosmology and large-scale structure, under the supervision of Dr. Boryana Hadzhiyska. We seek an enthusiastic and motivated researcher holding a PhD in astronomy, physics, or a closely related field.
Research Focus
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to engage in advanced research on topics relevant to large-scale structure, early Universe cosmology, and galaxy formation and evolution. Potential research areas include, but are not limited to:
Baryonic feedback and its impact on structure formation
Galaxy-halo connection and galaxy formation and evolution
Thermal and kinematic Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effects
Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) primary and secondary anisotropies
Tests of inflationary physics
Lyman alpha forest
Reionization
Baryonic tracers: X-rays, Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs), absorption/emission lines
In addition, the successful candidate will have access to cutting-edge data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), the CMB experiments Simons Observatory (SO) and the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT), Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), and other cosmological surveys, as well as state-of-the-art hydrodynamical and N-body simulations such as MillenniumTNG and AbacusSummit.
Qualifications
PhD in astronomy, physics, or a closely related field
Strong background in theoretical or observational cosmology
Experience or interest in working on one or more of the above-listed topics
Demonstrated ability for independent research and effective collaboration
Other details
The University of Cambridge provides a vibrant research environment in cosmology. The interdepartmental Kavli Institute for Cosmology, Cambridge (KICC) is co-located on the IoA site, fostering connections with other groups conducting complementary cosmological research across Cambridge.
Salary will be on the Research Associate scale (grade 7, from £36,924 to £45,163). Appointment as a Research Associate (grade 7) is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted their thesis but not yet been awarded their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant and amended to Research Associate when the PhD is awarded. The Research Assistant salary (grade 5) falls within the range £33,882 to £34,866. Further benefits of University employment are outlined at: https://www.hr.admin.cam.ac.uk/pay-benefits
Conversations about flexible working are encouraged at the University of Cambridge. Please feel free to discuss flexibility prior to applying (using the contact information below) or at interview if your application is successful.
The University of Cambridge thrives on the diversity of its staff and students. Applications from underrepresented groups are particularly welcome. The University has several family-friendly policies and initiatives, including a returning-carer scheme, childcare costs support, University workplace nurseries, University holiday play- schemes, and a shared parental-leave policy. As part of its commitment to providing a family-friendly environment for researchers, the Institute ensures that should parental leave be needed during the course of employment, there is provision for extension to contract to compensate for the parental leave taken.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please indicate the contact details of three academic referees on the online application form and upload a full curriculum vitae (CV), list of publications, and a research statement (three pages max), including a description of how your research expertise can be applied to the project. Please ensure that your referees are aware that they may be contacted by the Institute of Astronomy.
The University of Cambridge is a signatory of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). DORA recognises the need to improve the ways in which the outputs of scholarly research are evaluated. The University expects candidates to apply the principles of DORA when preparing their applications. We do not use journal-level metrics when assessing the quality of research outputs. Applicants should not include journal-level metrics, such as the Journal Impact Factor, anywhere in their application materials. More information about DORA, its principles and aims can be found at: https://sfdora.org/ and https://www.research-strategy.admin.cam.ac.uk/research-policy/DORA.
The application deadline is 23:59 GMT on Friday 10th January 2025. Where permission is given by candidates on application, referees will be requested to provide references by the application closing date.
Applications will be reviewed after the closing date and interviews are provisionally planned for: w/c 20th January 2025
The anticipated start date of the appointment is 1st September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Informal enquires can be addressed via email to Dr Boryana Hadzhiyska via the HR Department, please contact HR@ast.cam.ac.uk.
Please quote reference LG44148 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.