Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term)

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

Application Process

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the apply button above.

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

The University of Cambridge is a signatory of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). DORA recognises the need to improve ways in which outputs of scholarly research are evaluated. The University expects candidates to apply the principles of DORA when preparing applications. We do not use journal‐level metrics when assessing quality of research outputs. Applicants should not include journal‐level metrics, such as the Journal Impact Factor, 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 10^th 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 20^th January 2025 

The anticipated start date of the appointment is 1^st 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.

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