Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Role

The Department of Mathematical Sciences invites applications for a 2-year postdoctoral position beginning in October 2025. The successful candidate will work with Dr Ben Hoare and other members of the Mathematical and Theoretical Physics Group, contributing to the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project “Quantum Symmetries in Diverse Dimensions.” The objectives of the project include:

1. To classify integrable field theories, including those appearing in string theory
2. To uncover the universal algebraic structures of integrable models
3. To construct new integrable instances of gauge/gravity duality
4. To investigate applications beyond high-energy physics

Candidates with a strong track record in integrability, string theory, gauge/gravity duality, quantum field theory and related areas are encouraged to apply.

Key responsibilities:

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.

This post is fixed term for 2 years and includes a generous allowance for travel and inviting academic visitors to Durham. There is 2 years of funding available in the period from 1^st October 2025 to 30^th September 2028. Successful applicants will ideally be in post on or soon after 1^st October 2025 but can request to start at any point between 1^st October 2025 and 30^th September 2026.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

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