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The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences is seeking to appoint a Research Associate in Theoretical Cosmology. This post is funded by the Royal Society through Dr Eleonora Di Valentino’s Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship renewal for the project “H0 Tension Test” (H0TTEST) and is fixed term for 12 months.
The project investigates whether tensions in cosmological observations, particularly the Hubble constant tension, arise from unaccounted-for systematic effects or indicate new physics beyond the standard ΛCDM model. It combines theoretical modelling, cosmological data analysis and numerical methods to explore extensions involving dark energy, dark matter, neutrino physics, inflation and modified gravity. You will contribute to testing cosmological models with current observations and assessing their predictions for forthcoming surveys, with scope to develop research directions that reflect your expertise and interests within the project’s aims.
You will work with Dr Eleonora Di Valentino within the Cosmology, Relativity and Gravitation group, which comprises 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. The group’s expertise spans cosmology, gravitation and mathematical physics, with an active seminar programme and close links to colleagues in statistics and astrophysics, providing a stimulating environment to develop your research career. Funds will be available to support professional development, including participation in conferences, collaboration meetings and research visits.
You should have a PhD in physics, astronomy, cosmology or a closely related discipline, or equivalent experience. We welcome candidates with a strong research background in cosmology and expertise in one or more of the following: cosmological data analysis, statistical inference, theoretical modelling or numerical simulations. We are looking for evidence of research achievement and potential, strong computational and analytical skills, and the ability to develop independent ideas and work collaboratively.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Contribute to and support the work of the research group (e.g. by giving and attending local working seminars and participating in collaborations).
- Prepare high-quality research publications.
- Prepare papers for journals / presentations either in-house or at national/international conferences to disseminate research findings.
- Attend international conferences, and give talks on the work of the research group.
- Read academic papers, journals and text books to keep abreast of developments and use this information to brief colleagues and inform the work of the project.
- This is not a teaching role, however teaching experience may be available if the successful candidate is interested in gaining some teaching experience. This will be dependent upon opportunities being available within the department.
- As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
| Criteria | Essential or desirable | Stage(s) assessed at |
|---|---|---|
| Have a PhD in Physics, or Astronomy, or equivalent and working in Theoretical Cosmology. | Essential | Application |
| Have experience of coding and data analysis of cosmological data. | Essential | Application |
| Ability to plan and conduct research in Theoretical Cosmology. | Essential | Application |
| Demonstrate willingness to support and empower all individuals with an interest in physics, mathematics, and statistics, particularly those from currently under-represented groups. | Essential | Application/interview |
| Have effective communication skills, both written and oral, to present findings both in small groups and large meetings. | Essential | Application/interview |
| Have good interpersonal skills with colleagues. | Essential | Application/interview |
| Ability to develop and maintain a network of contacts throughout their research area. | Essential | Application/interview |
| Ability to adapt skills to new circumstances. | Essential | Application/interview |
| Ability to acquire new skills and knowledge in line with advances in the relevant subject area, including technical expertise and experience. | Essential | Application/interview |
| Ability to assess and organize resources, and plan and progress work activities. | Essential | Application/interview |
| Have a good record of publications in international research journals. | Desirable | Application |
Further Information
Grade: 7
Salary: £39,560 - £41,885
Work arrangement: Full-time
Duration: 12 months
Line manager: Senior Researcher
Direct reports: N/A
Our website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/mps
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr. Eleonora Di Valentino, Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Senior Research Fellow: on e.divalentino@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in December 2026. This will consist of an interview and short presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact MPS Staffing.
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision.
What we offer
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- access to menopause support in the workplace
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits.
We are a Disability Confident Leader. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates.
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