Research Associate / Assistant in Cosmology and large-scale structure (Fixed-Term

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.

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