Research Associate in 21-cm Cosmology (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge - Department of Physics

Location: West Cambridge

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.

A position exists for a Research Associate in 21-cm Cosmology within the Cavendish Astrophysics Group at the Department of Physics, University of Cambridge.

The role is funded by the Radio Experiment for the Analysis of Cosmic Hydrogen (REACH) ERC/UKRI Consolidator programme, an ambitious international effort to detect the global 21-cm signal from the early Universe, a faint imprint of the first stars and galaxies. Measuring this signal requires exquisite control over instrumental effects and advanced data analysis to separate the cosmological signal from bright astrophysical foregrounds and systematic contaminants. REACH combines precision hardware design with novel calibration strategies to push the frontier of what is achievable in low-frequency radio cosmology.

The successful candidate will play a central role in both the calibration of the REACH instrument and the analysis of its data, working at the interface of hardware and analysis. They will develop, test, and implement advanced radiometer calibration techniques and apply state-of-the-art statistical methods to extract cosmological information. The role will involve close collaboration with the wider REACH consortium of engineers, observers, and theorists, ensuring that instrument characterisation and data analysis advance hand in hand.

Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in astrophysics, radio astronomy, physics, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have:

Strong expertise in:

• Data analysis, including RFI mitigation and foreground modelling;
• Radio astronomy instrumentation and radiometry;
• Calibration pipelines and instrumental systematics;
• Programming skills in Python, C/C++ or equivalent, and the ability to handle complex datasets.

Experience in electromagnetic simulations, radiometer design, or low-frequency calibration techniques would be advantageous. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential.

The post holder will be based at the Cavendish Laboratory, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0US, UK, working under the supervision of Professor Eloy de Lera Acedo.

Salary Ranges:

Research Associate: £37,694 - £46,049 (Grade 7) Research Assistant (if PhD not yet awarded): £34,610 (Grade 5)

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

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

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter, in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Eloy de Lera Acedo (ed330@cam.ac.uk). If you have any questions about the application process, please contact hr@phy.cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference KA47583 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.