Postdoctoral Researcher in Transient Astrophysics

September 28, 2026

Physics & Astronomy Physical & Environmental Sciences

Overview

The Department of Physics at the University of Oxford is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher in Transient Astrophysics. The post is one of four, with matching positions at Lancaster University, the University of Southampton and Queen's University Belfast, all belonging to TRANSCEND, a five-year collaboration funded through an STFC Large Award. TRANSCEND combines transient data from the Vera Rubin/LSST survey with the 4MOST Time-Domain Extragalactic Survey (TiDES) to tackle how stars explode and enrich their surroundings with chemical elements, how supermassive black holes grow, and what Dark Energy really is.

The Oxford post centres on groundwork for Type Ia supernova cosmology, or alternatively on follow-up and modelling of rare transients. The work draws on more than 30,000 spectroscopically confirmed Type Ia supernovae and 150,000 host-galaxy redshifts, with the goal of improving how these supernovae are standardised so that they can later support cosmological measurements. The postholder also has the opportunity to teach.

Requirements

Applicants should hold a doctorate in physics or a related field, or be close to obtaining one, ideally with a strong background in physics or astrophysics. Relevant research experience and a proven record in time-domain astrophysics, supernovae, galaxy evolution, cosmology or survey science are expected.

What you get

This is a full-time, fixed-term post lasting five years, on Research Grade 7, with pay of £39,474 to £47,779 per annum. The role is based on site at the Denys Wilkinson Building.

How to apply

Applications are made online and need a CV, a publication list and a two-page research statement, plus details of two referees, who are contacted only if the candidate is shortlisted. This advertisement covers the Oxford post only, so separate applications must be sent to each of the other three universities for their posts. Questions about the role can be directed to Professors Maria Vincenzi and Stephen Smartt.

Key dates

Applications close at noon GMT on Friday 6 November 2026.

About University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in Oxford, England. Teaching there is documented from the late eleventh century, which makes it one of the oldest universities in the world, although its exact founding date is unknown. It has no single central campus, and its buildings are spread throughout the city. Every student belongs to a college, and the colleges operate alongside the university's academic departments, which are grouped into divisions.

Source: Wikipedia