Research Associate in Theoretical Cosmology

Job description:

We have an exciting opportunity in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences for someone with a passion for cosmology looking to use their research skills to investigate cosmological tensions and physics beyond the standard ΛCDM model. You will work with Dr Eleonora Di Valentino on the Royal Society-funded project “H0 Tension Test” (H0TTEST), supported through her Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship renewal. The post is full-time and fixed term for 12 months.

About You

You should have a PhD in physics, astronomy, cosmology or a closely related discipline, or equivalent experience, and a strong research background in cosmology. We are seeking candidates with strong analytical and computational skills and expertise in one or more of the following: cosmological data analysis, statistical inference, theoretical modelling or numerical simulations.

You will bring evidence of research achievement and potential, the ability to develop independent ideas, and effective written and oral communication skills. You should enjoy working collaboratively and contributing to an inclusive research environment. We welcome applicants with a range of cosmological interests, with scope to shape your contribution around your strengths within the project’s aims.

What we Offer

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pension scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

Find out more at sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits and join us to become part of something special.

About the team

You will join the Cosmology, Relativity and Gravitation group, comprising five academic staff (Dr Eleonora Di Valentino, Dr Sam Dolan, Dr Steffen Gielen, Professor Carsten van de Bruck and Professor Elizabeth Winstanley) and six PhD students. Working alongside colleagues whose expertise spans cosmology, gravitation and mathematical physics will provide a stimulating environment to develop your research career. You will benefit from an active seminar programme and opportunities for collaboration with colleagues in statistics and astrophysics.

About the Tole

You will play a key role in investigating whether cosmological tensions, particularly the Hubble constant tension, arise from unaccounted-for systematic effects or indicate new physics. The project explores extensions to ΛCDM involving dark energy, dark matter, neutrino physics, inflation and modified gravity.

You will develop and test cosmological models, contribute to research publications and present your findings to specialist audiences. The role offers opportunities to strengthen your research profile and international networks, with funding available for conference participation, collaboration meetings and research visits.

We are committed to exploring flexible working opportunities which benefit the individual and University.

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.