Research Associate (592803)

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is seeking to appoint a Research Associate on the project “Unravelling the Mysteries of Complex Nematic Solution Landscapes”. The post is a 12-month post with an expected start date of 1st October.

FTE: 1.0
Term: Fixed Term (October 2025)

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is seeking to appoint a Research Associate on the project “Unravelling the Mysteries of Complex Nematic Solution Landscapes”. The post is a 12-month post with an expected start date of 1^st October or 1^st November 2024. The post is funded by a Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant awarded to Professor Apala Majumdar in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Strathclyde.

The project focuses on the mathematical modelling of nematic liquid crystals in two and three-dimensional settings motivated by contemporary liquid crystal experiments and applications. The mathematical analysis and modelling will be conducted within the celebrated Landau-de Gennes theory for nematic liquid crystals. The project heavily focuses on the analysis and numerical computations of the critical points of the Landau-de Gennes energy, their structural and stability properties and how these properties can be manipulated by shape, topology and material properties. Mathematically, these questions can be phrased in terms of the solution landscapes of a system of nonlinear and elliptic partial differential equations, in different prototype settings. The key mathematical tools are methods from calculus of variations, theory of nonlinear partial differential equations, bifurcation theory and scientific computation. The post holder should have a background in mathematical modelling, continuum mechanics and knowledge of nonlinear partial differential equations and numerical methods for solving partial differential equations e.g., finite difference methods and finite-element methods etc.

The post holder will join a vibrant and successful Continuum Mechanics and Industrial Mathematics (CMIM) Research Group within the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. The CMIM has a proud history of impactful research in liquid crystals and was home to Professor Frank Leslie, one of the pioneers of continuum liquid crystal theories. You will also benefit from research based in the department, particularly in the Applied Analysis and Numerical Analysis Groups.

To be considered for the role, you will have to demonstrate expertise in continuum mechanics and mathematical modelling, with a PhD (or equivalent professional experience) in one or more of these areas, and previous experience in analytical and numerical studies of systems of partial differential equations. You will also have knowledge of appropriate research methods; have an ability to plan and to prioritise your own workload under general supervision, and an ability to work within a team environment.

Formal interviews for this post will be held in May/June 2024.

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Professor Apala Majumdar (Professor of Applied Mathematics) (apala.majumdar@strath.ac.uk).

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