Senior Research Associates in Supernova Environments

Senior Research Associate(s) in Supernova Environments

Publish Date: August 2026

Time to run: 4-6 weeks

The Lancaster University School of Physics and Astronomy seeks to appoint up to three postdoctoral researchers in supernova environments. The successful candidate(s) will work with Prof Isobel Hook on the ERC Advanced Grant project “Sparkles”, which aims to use new observations of Type Ia supernovae and their host galaxies to improve measurements of the cosmological parameters. 

The work will primarily focus on new, high-resolution imaging from the Euclid mission. In addition, new survey data from the Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), the 4MOST spectroscopic instrument and potentially NASA’s Roman Space Telescope will be used. We are seeking to recruit in one or more of the following areas:

• Galaxy morphology and stellar populations within galaxies, as related to supernovae. 
• Near-IR detections of supernovae and constraints on dust obscuration 
• Type Ia SN cosmology, including correction of environmental effects. 

Those with experience in the above areas are encouraged to apply. Experience in the management of large datasets and the use of software tools relevant for the selection, follow-up and analysis of supernovae and their host galaxies are also desirable. 

The position(s) are funded for 4 years with a budget for travel and computing. Start dates are expected to range from January 2027 to January 2028. 

In addition to joining the Sparkles team, the selected candidate(s) will join the wider Observational Astrophysics group at Lancaster. You will be welcome to participate in group research activities, which cover diverse topics including transients, high-redshift galaxies, galaxy evolution, gravitational waves and citizen science projects. 

Applications must be submitted through the Lancaster University online portal. You must have earned, or be close to completion of, a PhD in astronomy or a related field by the start date. Further criteria are given in the job description and person specification. You should submit (1) a curriculum vitae with publications list; (2) a statement describing your interest in and suitability for the position(s), not to exceed 2 pages; and (3) a list containing contact information for 2 reference letter writers. Letters of reference will be requested for shortlisted candidates. 

We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our School.