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- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research in cosmology and gravitation with leading experts.
- Company: Join the prestigious Stephen Hawking Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at Cambridge.
- Benefits: Flexible start date, collaborative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in understanding the universe while working on innovative projects.
- Qualifications: PhD in theoretical physics and experience in collaborative research required.
- Other info: Fixed-term position with potential for exciting career development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Research Associate in Cosmology and Gravitation (Fixed Term)
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in cosmology within the Stephen Hawking Centre for Theoretical Cosmology/GR group (www.ctc.cam.ac.uk ) at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. Candidates should be qualified to undertake research in the areas of the CMB, large-scale structure and early universe cosmology. Although all qualified candidates will be considered, we are particularly interested in candidates who can undertake work on higher-order correlators from Simons Observatory CMB data, notably CMB bispectra in combination with other cosmological probes, to gain new insights about inflation and fundamental theory.
The successful candidate will work primarily with Professors James Fergusson and Paul Shellard, as well as academic staff across the Relativity and Gravitation group (Challinor, Gratton, Sherwin, Cranmer, Hartnoll, Moore, Pajer, Reall, Santos, Sperhake, Wall and Warnick) and research staff and PhD students. There are close links with the HEP group and the AI Infosys Lab in DAMTP, and the Kavli Institute for Cosmology (www.kicc.cam.ac.uk ).
The position is expected to be available on or soon after 1 September 2026, but the start date is flexible. Applicants should have, or be about to obtain, a PhD in a relevant area of theoretical physics, and to have an established track record of original research and experience of working in collaboration.
Duties will include developing and conducting individual and collaborative research objectives, proposals and projects. For data reduction aspects of this project, you will be expected to have computational experience, preferably on HPC systems with knowledge of parallelisation techniques and GPU programming. You will be expected to plan your own research, with guidance if required, and to assist in the preparation of funding proposals. You must be able to communicate material of a technical nature. You may be asked to assist in the supervision of student projects and development of skills and deliver seminars relating to the research area.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Please indicate the contact details (including email address) of three academic referees on the online application form and upload a full CV and a description of your recent research (not to exceed three pages).
Please let your referees be aware that they will be contacted by the Mathematics HR Office Administrator to request they upload a reference for you to our Web Recruitment System; and encourage them to do so promptly. Ensure that at least one of your referees is contactable at any time during the selection process.
Please quote reference LE47448 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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Research Associate in Cosmology and Gravitation (Fixed Term) employer: European Women in Mathematics
Contact Detail:
European Women in Mathematics Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Cosmology and Gravitation (Fixed Term)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the field of cosmology and gravitation. Attend conferences, seminars, or even online webinars to meet potential collaborators and mentors. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Research Associate position!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your research projects, especially those related to CMB data and computational techniques. This will help you stand out during interviews and give you something tangible to discuss with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your communication skills, especially when discussing complex topics like inflation and fundamental theory. The better you can explain your work, the more impressive you'll be to hiring panels.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform. It streamlines the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities in the field!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Cosmology and Gravitation (Fixed Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the specific role of Research Associate in Cosmology and Gravitation. Highlight relevant research experience, especially in CMB and large-scale structure, to show us you’re the perfect fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Research Description: When writing your research description, keep it concise and focused. We want to see your original contributions and how they relate to the position. Remember, clarity is key – make it easy for us to understand your work!
Choose Your Referees Wisely: Select referees who can vouch for your research skills and collaborative experience. Let them know they’ll be contacted, so they’re prepared to provide a glowing reference that highlights your strengths to us.
Follow Application Instructions: Pay close attention to the application instructions. Make sure to quote the reference LE47448 and upload all required documents. Applying through our website ensures your application is processed smoothly, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at European Women in Mathematics
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss your previous research and how it relates to the position. Be prepared to explain your methodologies, findings, and how they connect to the work being done at the Stephen Hawking Centre for Theoretical Cosmology.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Key Concepts
Brush up on key concepts in cosmology, especially those related to CMB, large-scale structure, and inflation. Being able to discuss higher-order correlators and their implications will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask Professors Fergusson and Shellard about their current projects or future directions in research. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the team is the right fit for you.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with various academic staff and PhD students, be ready to share examples of past collaborative projects. Highlight your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and how you've contributed to team success.