Research Assistant/Associate in Cosmology

Salary: 

Research Assistant -  £32,546 - £34,132 per annum

Research Associate - £35,116 - £39,355 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 08 May 2025

The role

We invite applications for a 3-year postdoctoral research position in observational cosmology, with a focus on weak gravitational lensing. This position is funded by an STFC Small Award and will be supervised by Dr Danielle Leonard.  

Newcastle University is home to an exciting and lively cosmology research group, with a strong focus on weak lensing as well as complementary research across strong lensing, early Universe theory, alternative dark matter models, and statistical methods for cosmology. For more information see the cosmology as well as the broader observational astronomy group webpages.
 
In this role, you will focus on further developing and applying the Multi-Estimator Method for Intrinsic Alignments (MEM-IA), which uses multiple shear estimators applied to the same galaxy sample to measure the intrinsic alignment signal without the need for precision redshift information. You will create and analyse galaxy image simulations with realistic intrinsic alignment effects, apply shear estimators to simulated and real image data, and use the resulting measurements to constrain intrinsic alignment models. You will work with collaborators in the LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration, and may also apply to join the Euclid Consortium. 
 
In addition to project-specific activities, you will be encouraged to pursue your own independent research and training. In addition, you may undertake outreach/engagement activities, particularly those designed to increase accessibility and inclusion to science. 
 
The position is fixed-term, with full time hours (37 per week) and an estimated start date of July 1, 2025 (although candidates seeking a later start date are encouraged to apply as this may be flexible). Generous funds for travel and training are available. Start dates and flexible working are negotiable. We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment.

For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Danielle Leonard (danielle.leonard@newcastle.ac.uk).

To apply, please complete the online application and attach a: (1) CV (no page limit), and (2) a covering letter combined with a research statement (max 3 pages). In your covering letter, please outline how you are either working towards, meet or exceed all of the essential requirements for the role holder as outlined below. The research statement should explain how your research experience is suitable for the post and how your research interests will align with those performed in the group.

Key Accountabilities

•    Conduct original research in accordance with the goals of the funded project under the guidance of the PI, Dr Danielle Leonard
•    Work successfully within the local research team and with wider collaborators to publish world-leading research
•    Work to deadlines and manage, with support, competing priorities
•    Present outputs of the research from the research team to scientific and non-scientific audiences, in written and oral form
•    Contribute to the positive culture and general strengths of the research group and the School; for example, through supervision of project students, organising / participating in research group activities, participating in outreach, and leading initiatives to promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
•    Maintain academic standards and freedom, and work in accordance with university policies (e.g. equal opportunities, health and safety policies)
•    Any other duties that may be required from time to time, commensurate with the grade of the post

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 
Essential:
•    Excellent technical skills in cosmological data analysis and modelling that can be applied to the aims of the project described under ‘The role’
•    A track record of high-quality research outputs related to the goals of the project, commensurate with career stage (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, open-source software, etc.)
•    Advanced programming skills in at least one programming language
•    Excellent written and oral communication skills
•    Demonstrable knowledge of cosmological physics

Desirable:
•    Advanced programming skills in Python
•    Demonstrable experience in image data analysis that can be applied to the aims of the project as described under ‘The role’
•    A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with career stage

Attributes and Behaviour
Essential
•    Demonstrable ability to work independently using own initiative and to meet deadlines
•    Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings and working on joint research projects
•    A high level of analytical, numerical and problem-solving capability
•    A commitment to the values of equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work
•    Ability to set own research goals, and to be self-motivated and proactive
•    Proficient time management skills

Desirable
•    Demonstrable commitment to promoting a positive and healthy research culture (e.g., by actively supporting/mentoring students, supporting initiatives to improve the work environment etc.)

Qualifications
Research Assistant Position:
•    Studying for a PhD in Astrophysics or a closely related discipline (or exceptionally equivalent professional experience)

Research Associate Position:
•    PhD awarded in Astrophysics or a closely related discipline (or exceptionally equivalent professional experience)

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver  Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 28091