At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge research team studying supernova environments and contribute to groundbreaking cosmological measurements.
- Company: Lancaster University, a leader in physics and astronomy with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel funding, and opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with a dynamic team on diverse astrophysics topics and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in astrophysics while working with innovative technologies and data from space missions.
- Qualifications: PhD in astronomy or related field, with experience in astronomical surveys and data analysis.
The predicted salary is between 39906 - 46049 £ per year.
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.
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.
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.
Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based. 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.
Senior Research Associates in Supernova Environments employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises student wellbeing and success. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and opportunities to lead impactful initiatives in widening participation. Located in the vibrant city of Lancaster, staff enjoy a supportive culture that values diversity and fosters collaboration across disciplines.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associates in Supernova Environments
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Lancaster University, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Lancaster University. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associates in Supernova Environments
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Lancaster University. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Lancaster University. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Lancaster University. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Lancaster University to drive research projects forward.
