Dr. Oliver Philcox

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Oliver Philcox is an Assistant Professor in the Physics Department at Stanford University. He completed his Ph.D. at Princeton University in 2022 and holds an M.A. from Cambridge University (2018). His research interests lie in theoretical, statistical, and observational cosmology, with a particular focus on galaxy surveys and the Cosmic Microwave Background. He has worked on measuring, modeling, and interpreting both new and old physics across a range of cosmological datasets. His work aims to deepen understanding of the early universe and inflation. Philcox has collaborated with notable scientists including Mikhail Ivanov and Marko Simonovic, and was awarded the 2024 New Horizons Prize in Physics for contributions to Effective Field Theory in Large Scale Structure. He is affiliated with the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology and the Leinweber Institute for Theoretical Physics at Stanford.

Research Interests

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.