Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 4 years in the first instance.
Applications are invited for a Research Assistant position to work on the ERC-funded project COSMOTENSION under the supervision of Dr Will Handley and Prof Mike Hobson. The post holder will undertake research on cosmological tensions and tests of Poincaré gauge theories of gravity using AI-accelerated Bayesian inference, with the possibility of registering for a PhD at the University of Cambridge. Please see the Further Particulars accompanying this advert for more information on the PhD opportunity.
The purpose of this role is to support and maintain the University's national and international mission for excellence in teaching and research.
Responsibilities
As a member of the research team, you will conduct data collection, analysis, and contribute to the interpretation of results. You may be encouraged to publish findings and may assist with supervision of students and limited classroom supervision. Participation in departmental activities as appropriate is expected.
Qualifications
* Research experience in alternative theories of gravity, particularly gauge-theoretic approaches, and/or gravitational-wave data analysis.
* Experience with Bayesian inference methods.
* Completed or currently completing a Master's-level qualification in a relevant field.
* If applying for PhD study, you must have applied through the Institute of Astronomy postgraduate admissions process.
The position is available from October 2026.
Salary will be on the University Grade 5 scale, £33,002 - £35,608.
This post is supported by ERC Starting Grant COSMOTENSION. Full proposal can be accessed at https://willhandley.co.uk/ERC.pdf – WP-B (PHD2) is the relevant work package.
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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