Kay Lehnert

Research Project Manager (Doctoral Researcher)

National University of Ireland, Maynooth · Full-time

Sep 2022 – Present · 3 yrs 9 mths

Maynooth, Kildare, Ireland · Hybrid

Secured over €100,000 in highly competitive scholarships and research funding, demonstrating ability to win external support in selective environments. Built and validated C and Python/MCMC workflows for cosmological model testing against observational data; improved parallel runtime by 12.3%, saving several hundred cluster node-hours; improved numerical reliability by introducing runtime quality gates, reducing crashes from frequent failures to zero over 3,500 hours of execution. Represented the Republic of Ireland on the BridgeQG COST Action management committee; co-authored a white paper with 541 international collaborators, and served as postgraduate representative across nine academic departments. Taught computational physics and supervised Unix and Python training for undergraduate cohorts of around 100 students, translating complex material into clear, practical instruction.

Teaching Assistant

National University of Ireland, Maynooth · Part-time

Sep 2022 – May 2025 · 2 yrs 8 mths

Maynooth, Ireland · On-site

I introduce ~200 students to mathematical physics and computational tools, and tutor/substitute lecturers in theoretical physics. I support classes in classical mechanics, special relativity, quantum mechanics, and computational physics, and I completed a Teaching and Learning Certificate to improve innovative teaching practice.

Highschool Physics Teacher

Kantonsschule Sargans · Full-time

Oct 2021 – Mar 2022 · 5 mths

Sargans, Switzerland

Designed and delivered a complete physics curriculum for four classes across grades 10–12, covering classical mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, and quantum mechanics. Structured lessons around hands-on problem-solving and conceptual clarity, with above-average student success rates.

Wyssmann LLC logo Member of the Board of Advisors

WyssmannLLC · Freelance

Jan 2021 – Dec 2024 · 3 yrs 11 mths

Herzogenbuchsee, Bern, Switzerland · Remote

Advising on competitive clean-tech grant proposals.

Planetarium Operator

Swiss Museum of Transport · Part-time

Jul 2015 – Aug 2022 · 7 yrs 1 mth

Luzern, Switzerland · On-site

Share passion and knowledge about the cosmos with 10 000 yearly passengers. Design and program new show elements for DigiStar planetarium system. Train and coach new 9 operators on system usage, show design, guest interactions.

Strategy Consultant Intern

Oliver Wyman AG · Internship

Mar 2015 – Jul 2015 · 4 mths

Zurich, Switzerland · On-site

Supported strategic repositioning for European client facing profitability, preserving 700+ jobs. Created executive PowerPoint updates; built Excel/VBA analytics; presented recommendations to stakeholders.

PC-Tutor

University of St.Gallen · Part-time

Sep 2012 – Jan 2015 · 2 yrs 4 mths

St.Gallen, Switzerland

Managed approximately 10,000 internal user accounts and resolved complex IT issues across the university's infrastructure. Introduced new students to HSG's systems through structured onboarding workshops. Maintained the internal knowledge base for recurring technical queries.

Expert for Canon Products

Emasol GmbH · Part-time

Jan 2012 – Dec 2014 · 2 yrs 11 mths

Zurich, Switzerland · On-site

Increasing daily sales revenue at POS of Canon products by 200% by introducing new Canon products and training sales personnel

Quartermaster, First Lieutenant

Swiss Armed Forces · Contract

Jul 2010 – Aug 2016 · 6 yrs 1 mth

Switzerland · On-site

Supervised 14 direct subordinates at six bases; trained teams on regulatory compliance, accounting, and leadership through workshops and regular assessments. Managed a seven-figure annual budget to provide for, accommodate, and finance 2,000 military personnel.

National University of Ireland, Maynooth

PhD in Theoretical Physics, Theoretical Physics

Sep 2022 – Present

The Universe is full of conundrums. One is its accelerated expansion. Using supernova data does not yield the same rate of acceleration as CMB data. Using string-theoretical concepts, the mathematical formalism of General Relativity, numerical computer code, and observational data, I try to find Ansätze towards a remedy of this discrepancy, and a better understanding of cosmological models and the Hubble crisis. Applied core skills: model assessment under uncertainty; built, validated, and optimised C/Python computational workflows; long-term project management; resilience; strong technical due-diligence skills: assumption testing, model-risk assessment, and decision-making under uncertainty.

Universitat de Barcelona

Visiting Doctoral Researcher, String theory and cosmology (baryonic acoustic oscillations, early Universe physics, black holes, modified gravity)

Sep 2023 – Dec 2023

During my time at ICCUB in Barcelona, I worked in a highly active theoretical-physics environment at the intersection of cosmology, gravity, and string theory. Engaging with researchers on black hole physics, baryonic acoustic oscillations, early-universe physics, and machine-learning applications broadened my perspective and strengthened my ability to connect ideas across subfields.

University of Zurich

Master of Science in Physics , Theoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology Track, Theoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology

Sep 2019 – Nov 2021

Grade: GPA: 5.5/6

Driven by curiosity about how the universe evolves, I specialized in theoretical astrophysics and cosmology at UZH. From stellar structure and magnetohydrodynamics to large-scale space-time dynamics and general relativity, I focused on connecting theory with data through quantitative modelling. My thesis at ETH Zurich deepened my skills in hypothesis testing, uncertainty assessment, scientific communication, and high-performance computing.

University of Bern

Bachelor of Science in Physics with Special Qualification in Astronomy, Physics (Special Qualification in Astronomy)

Sep 2015 – Sep 2019

Grade: GPA: 5.5/6

B.Sc. in Physics (Special Qualification in Astronomy) with a minor in Mathematics at the University of Bern, focused on building the quantitative foundation for complex system analysis. Developed strong skills in mathematical modelling, computational methods, and evidence-based problem-solving across core theoretical and experimental physics domains and pure maths.

Columbia University

Exchange Program, Exchange Program

Aug 2013 – Dec 2013

Grade: GPA: 4/4

Activities and societies: Kayaking

Exchange semester at Columbia University (New York) with coursework spanning political philosophy, advanced macroeconomics, general physics, exobiology/life in the universe, and astronomy lab (GPA 4/4). The program sharpened my ability to connect scientific, economic, and policy perspectives when evaluating complex problems. Studying in a highly international cohort strengthened my cross-cultural collaboration and communication in global environments. Alongside coursework, I took saxophone lessons with a local musician at my temporary home in Harlem, reflecting my commitment to learning across disciplines, cultures, and crafts.

University of St.Gallen

Certificate in Book and Media Studies, Book and Media Studies

Sep 2012 – Aug 2014

Grade: GPA: 5/6

Certificate in Book and Media Studies (HSG), focused on digital disruption in publishing and public-sector information services. Delivered applied consulting work on digital transformation for Hatje Cantz Verlag (high-end art and coffee-table publishing) and on implementation design for the new cantonal library law in St.Gallen. Our team proposed a virtual-organization model for the canton; the concept was adopted and successfully implemented.

University of St.Gallen

Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs, International Affairs

Sep 2011 – Sep 2015

Grade: GPA: 5/6

Activities and societies: HSG Bigband, PC-Tutors, Coaching Programme, Mentoring Programme, Startwochen Tutor (print media)

B.A. HSG in International Affairs at the University of St.Gallen, combining business, economics, political science, and law in an interdisciplinary, globally oriented curriculum. Built a strong foundation in structured analysis of markets, institutions, and policy environments, with emphasis on decision-making in complex stakeholder settings. This degree complements my technical background with commercial and geopolitical context for strategy and investment work.