Applications are invited for a Research Fellowship in the Astronomy Group within the Department of Physics at Royal Holloway, University of London. The successful candidate will join ECLIPSE (Environment for Computational Learning, Interdisciplinary Physics and Scientific Excellence), a newly established interdisciplinary research centre for AI-driven scientific discovery, funded by a Leverhulme Trust Research Leadership Award held by Dr Alessio Spurio Mancini. ECLIPSE's goal is to develop next-generation inference frameworks that combine machine learning with rigorous statistical methods to address fundamental questions in cosmology and beyond.
The research aims of this position are to develop novel inference frameworks for cosmology and apply them to cutting-edge data from the Euclid mission to derive constraints, in particular, on dark energy and modified gravity models. The research will involve techniques such as differentiable programming and emulation. The successful applicant will be expected to become an active member of the Euclid Consortium (https://www.euclid-ec.org/). The European Space Agency Euclid mission was launched in July 2023, and the Euclid Consortium is currently preparing its cosmology analyses for upcoming data releases, aligning well with the timeline of this position.
The successful candidate will have a PhD (or be near completion) in Physics, Astronomy, or a related field, with expertise in cosmology and strong programming skills. The postholder will benefit from joining a vibrant research environment with excellent opportunities for career development, including co-supervision of BSc/MSci/PhD students and membership of the Euclid Consortium.
Research Environment
The Astronomy Group at Royal Holloway is a dynamic and growing research group with expertise spanning stellar astrophysics, supernovae, radio pulsars, gravitational waves and cosmology. Leveraging state-of-the-art observational facilities such as JWST, the Hubble Space Telescope, the LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA gravitational-wave detectors, and the Euclid satellite, we investigate fundamental questions about the nature of celestial objects, the evolution of galaxies, and the structure of the Universe itself. We are also actively involved in the utilisation of upcoming facilities such as the Square Kilometre Array Observatory.
The Astronomy group specialises in the development and application of machine learning techniques to address fundamental questions in astronomy and physics. We actively collaborate with experts in other Departments as part of Royal Holloway’s Centre for AI, with Dr Spurio Mancini leading its “AI for Science” theme.
The University is located on a beautiful campus in Egham, Surrey, with excellent transport links to central London. Royal Holloway offers an extensive rewards and benefits package including
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Training and Development opportunities
- Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
- Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing.
- Free parking
Royal Holloway also recognises the importance of helping its employees balance their work and home life by offering flexible working arrangements.
The University and the Department of Physics are further committed to creating a positive and inclusive environment. For example, we host a variety of initiatives to support our students and staff, including a LGBT+ Staff network, Disability and Mental Health Staff network, Black and Global Majority Staff Network, Parents and Carers Network and Women in Physics group.
Additional Information
This is a full-time position, available for a fixed-term period of 3 years. The expected start date is April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. This role is eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route, subject to individual circumstances and compliance with visa requirements.
The applicant must respond to a set of application questions addressing the selection criteria (provided in the online application form), upload a CV, a list of publications (these may be attached to the CV), and provide contacts of three referees. For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at: recruitment@rhul.ac.uk.
For informal discussions about the post, please contact Dr Alessio Spurio Mancini at alessio.spuriomancini@rhul.ac.uk.
Please quote the reference: 0126-016
Closing Date: 23:59, 29 January 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Royal Holloway is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and encourages applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, parental status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or trans status or history. More information on our structures and initiatives around EDI, including information on staff diversity networks, can be found on our Equality and Diversity Intranet page.