Postdoctoral Research Associate in Transient Astrophysics

This postdoctoral position is part of the five-year STFC Large Award TRANSCEND, a collaborative project involving the University of Southampton, Lancaster University, and the University of Oxford. The role focuses on analyzing Vera Rubin/LSST transient data and the 4MOST Time-Domain Extragalactic Survey (TiDES) to address key questions in astrophysics, such as stellar explosions, supermassive black hole growth, and the nature of dark energy. The successful candidate will lead research in one of three specialized areas: host galaxies of transients, supernovae Ia cosmology, or simulations and selection effects. Collaboration across institutions is encouraged to maximize scientific outcomes, with opportunities for interdisciplinary work and infrastructure contributions.

• Lead research in one of three specialized areas: host galaxies of transients, supernovae Ia cosmology, or simulations and selection effects for the TRANSCEND project.
• Analyze Vera Rubin/LSST transient data and 4MOST TiDES survey data to study stellar explosions, black hole growth, and dark energy.
• Derive host-galaxy properties from photometric and spectroscopic data, and measure transient rates to uncover physical origins of stellar deaths.
• Develop and validate galaxy population catalogues using state-of-the-art cosmological simulations (e.g., Illustris-TNS).
• Collaborate closely with researchers at Lancaster University and the University of Oxford to maximize scientific outcomes of TRANSCEND.
• Contribute to TiDES infrastructure work and pursue independent projects to further exploit TiDES data.
• Present research findings at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.