Research Fellow in Supernova Cosmology

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK 

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to August 2028 

The University of Birmingham Astrophysics and Space Research group is looking for one or more postdoctoral research fellows to work on cosmology with transient surveys and strong lensing. The position(s) are open to work with the group of Dr. Suhail Dhawan on the UKRI/ERC project NGCOSMO on research themes related to:  

• Inference of H0 with strong gravitationally lensed supernovae 

• The local distance ladder measurement of H0 

• Synergies between LSST and Euclid surveys  

• Constraints on spatial curvature and cosmology with DESI 

We are members of LSST and Euclid and the applicant will also have access to independent programs with SOAR, Liverpool telescope, GTC, VLT, 4MOST and JWST/HST programs as part of large and diverse international collaborations. There are ample supercomputing resources from both local and international collaborative facilities. The position comes with a generous allowance to cover travels to conferences and research visits. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to supervise students, acquire teaching experience, participate in outreach activities, and get any support for their personal and career development. 

Role requirements: 

• PhD (or equivalent) in physics or a related field or being near to completion 

• Strong record of research in astronomy, experience with time-domain astronomy appreciated but not required 

• Ability to build relationships and collaborate with others 

Applications must include a CV, statement of past and future research (no more than 2 pages in total), a brief cover letter and arrange to have three recommendations to be sent by email to Nicola Holloway ([email protected]).  

Deadline for closing is 15th April 2025. The position would nominally begin in October 2025 but the start date can be negotiated.  

If any more information is required, please do not hesitate to contact Suhail Dhawan. 

The School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham is a world-leading physics department, excelling in both research and teaching. It hosts over 130 academic and research staff, around 50 technical and support staff, and over 130 graduate students.  The School is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of an Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promote equality and diversity, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community.  We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups in Physics and Astronomy including, but not limited to, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Groups.