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- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research in cosmology and collaborate with leading experts.
- Company: Join the Stephen Hawking Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at a prestigious university.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible start date, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in understanding the universe and contribute to innovative projects.
- Qualifications: PhD in theoretical physics and experience in collaborative research required.
- Other info: Dynamic research environment with strong support for diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 33794 - 40849 £ per year.
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in cosmology within the Stephen Hawking Centre for Theoretical Cosmology/GR group ) 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 ).
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.
Further information about CTC can be found at and the GR Group at
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Informal enquiries may be made to James Parke ) or to Professor James Fergusson ) and Professor Paul Shellard ).
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. We particularly welcome applications from women and/or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our Department.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Key information
Department/location
Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics
Salary
£37,694-£46,049
Reference
LE47448
Category
Research
Date published
10 October 2025
Closing date
15 December 2025
Research Associate in Cosmology and Gravitation employer: University of Cambridge
Contact Detail:
University of Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Cosmology and Gravitation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current researchers in the field, especially those at the Stephen Hawking Centre. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a presentation or a seminar on your recent research. This not only demonstrates your expertise but also gives you a chance to engage with potential colleagues and showcase your communication skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from collaboration! Highlight any past teamwork experiences in your discussions. The ability to work well with others is key in research, especially in a dynamic environment like the GR group.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to tailor your approach to what they’re looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Cosmology and Gravitation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in cosmology and gravitation. We want to see how your skills align with the research areas mentioned, like CMB and large-scale structure. Don’t just send a generic CV; personalise it for this role!
Craft a Compelling Research Description: When writing about your recent research, focus on clarity and relevance. We’re interested in your contributions and insights, especially if they relate to higher-order correlators or inflation. Keep it concise but impactful—three pages max!
Choose Your Referees Wisely: Select referees who can speak to your research capabilities and collaborative work. Make sure at least one is easily reachable during the selection process, as we’ll be contacting them for references. Give them a heads-up so they’re prepared!
Follow Application Instructions: Pay close attention to the application details, like quoting the reference LE47448. We appreciate candidates who follow instructions carefully, as it shows attention to detail—a key skill in research. Apply through our website to ensure your application is processed smoothly!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss your recent research in detail, especially any work related to CMB, large-scale structure, or early universe cosmology. Be prepared to explain your methodologies and findings clearly, as well as how they relate to the position you're applying for.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Team
Research the professors and academic staff you'll be working with, like James Fergusson and Paul Shellard. Understanding their work and how it aligns with your expertise will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm for collaboration during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Computational Skills
Since computational experience is crucial for this role, be ready to discuss your familiarity with HPC systems, parallelisation techniques, and GPU programming. Bring examples of past projects where you've successfully applied these skills.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the research objectives and funding proposals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the position aligns with your career goals.
