Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) Cosmology (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance. 

We invite applications for a postdoctoral researcher to work on CMB cosmology with data from the Simons Observatory (SO). The SO is a leading CMB experiment that has recently started observing from the Atacama Desert in Chile. We particularly welcome applications from those with interests in cosmology from the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect, for example, cluster-count cosmology and interpretation of Compton-y maps. Successful candidates will work with Boris Bolliet, Anthony Challinor, Blake Sherwin and Inigo Zubeldia and the wider community of CMB and large-scale-structure researchers across Cambridge. 

Candidates must possess significant theoretical/analytic skills and experience in developing/applying analyses for precision CMB studies or related fields. Candidates will collaborate internationally with colleagues, will interact closely with staff and students, disseminate research findings via publications/media (international workshops and conferences), and are encouraged to participate in teaching and learning. 

The IoA provides a vibrant research environment in cosmology. The interdepartmental Kavli Institute for Cosmology, Cambridge is located on the same site as the IoA, fostering connections with those conducting complementary research in neighbouring departments. 

Applicants must have a PhD in Astronomy (or a related field) or have submitted their PhD thesis by the start of appointment. Applicants must have an established track record of original research and a clear vision for current/future CMB research. Excellent communications skills and computing skills, preferably on HPC systems, are also required.

The appointment will be at Grade 7 (Research Associate) £37,694 to £46,049 p.a. (Grade 7, Pts 41 to 48), depending on experience/qualifications. A successful candidate not yet awarded a PhD will be appointed at Grade 5 (Research Assistant) £34,610 to £35,608 (Grade 5, Pts 38 to 39) and amended to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of PhD. 

The University of Cambridge thrives on the diversity of its staff and students. The IoA particularly welcomes applications from under-represented groups. We have an active Equality and Diversity Committee which continually works to further the aims of the Athena SWAN charter. The University has several family-friendly policies and initiatives, including a returning-carer scheme, childcare costs support, university workplace nurseries, university holiday play-schemes, and a shared parental-leave policy. As part of its commitment to providing a family-friendly environment for researchers, the IoA ensures that should parental leave be needed during the course of employment, there is provision for extension to contract to compensate for the parental leave taken.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

Please upload your CV, cover letter, publications list and a description of your recent research (three A4 pages maximum, 11pt font) in the Upload section.

Names and contact details of three academic referees are essential. Please advise referees that references will be requested by 21 December 2025. 

Closing: 23:59 GMT on 14 December 2025. Applications will be reviewed after closing and short-listed candidates invited for interview in early January 2026.

Starting: October 2026 or earlier.

If you have queries re. applying, please contact hr@ast.cam.ac.uk. Informal inquiries may be addressed to Prof. Anthony Challinor (a.d.challinor@ast.cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference LG47989 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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