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Lancaster University

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Transient Astrophysics (TRANSCEND) at Lancaster University Lancaster University in United Kingdom

Degree Level

Postdoc

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Full-time postdoctoral position funded for 5 years from 1 April 2027. Salary is commensurate with a standard postdoctoral researcher role at Lancaster/Oxford/Southampton/Queen's; salary range shown is £39,906 to £46,049.

Deadline

Nov 5, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

Lancaster University

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Keywords

Computer Science
Astronomy
Astrophysics
Cosmology
Python Programming
Surveying
Galactic Dynamics
Supernova Remnants
Time-domain Astronomy
Statistics
Physics

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About this position

Lancaster University’s School of Physics and Astronomy is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Transient Astrophysics as part of the five-year STFC Large Award TRANSCEND. The project is a collaboration with the University of Oxford, the University of Southampton, and Queen’s University Belfast, using Vera Rubin/LSST transient data and the 4MOST Time-Domain Extragalactic Survey (TiDES) to study how stars explode, how supermassive black holes grow, and the nature of dark energy.

This Lancaster post focuses on simulations and selection effects for SN Ia cosmology and beyond. The successful candidate will lead forward-modelling of the combined LSST+TiDES sample, characterise sample selection effects, and build galaxy population catalogues validated against cosmological simulations such as IllustrisTNG. The work sits at the intersection of astronomy, physics, cosmology, statistics, and computer science, with strong emphasis on Python-based scientific programming and time-domain survey analysis.

The position is full-time and funded for 5 years from 1 April 2027. The advertised salary is £39,906 to £46,049. Applicants should hold a PhD or be near completion in astrophysics, physics, cosmology, or a related field, and should have experience in time-domain astrophysics, supernovae, galaxy evolution, cosmology, or survey science.

To apply, submit a CV, publication list, and a 2-page research statement describing your past research and its relevance to TRANSCEND. If you are applying to more than one TRANSCEND post, include your order of preference (topic and institution) in the research statement. The closing date is 5 November 2026 (midnight UK time).

Contact: [email protected], [email protected].

Funding details

Full-time postdoctoral position funded for 5 years from 1 April 2027. Salary is commensurate with a standard postdoctoral researcher role at Lancaster/Oxford/Southampton/Queen's; salary range shown is £39,906 to £46,049.

What's required

A PhD or near completion in astrophysics, physics, cosmology, or a related field is required. Applicants should have strong scientific programming skills in Python and research experience in time-domain astrophysics, supernovae, galaxy evolution, cosmology, or survey science. Excellent communication and teamwork skills are expected.

How to apply

Prepare a CV, publication list, and a 2-page research statement describing past research experience and its relevance to TRANSCEND. If applying to more than one post, state your order of preference in the research statement. Submit via the Lancaster University vacancy portal using the provided application link.

More information can be found here

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