Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mathematical Physics

Contract: Full-time (1FTE), fixed-term (24 months)

Detailed Description

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in mathematical physics at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. The position is available from 1st October 2025 for a 2-year, full-time contract. You will join the mathematical physics group, which consists of fifteen faculty members and multiple postdoctoral researchers and PhD students, pursuing research in many aspects of field theory, string theory, and integrability (for more information, see www.hw.ac.uk/uk/schools/mathematical-computer-sciences/research/maths/mathematical-physics.htm).

You will also be part of the Edinburgh Mathematical Physics Group, a joint research collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh (for more information, see empg.maths.ed.ac.uk). Possible projects include the computation of nonperturbative scattering amplitudes, the study of thermalization and chaotic behaviour in quantum field theories, and the application of Hamiltonian methods to gauge theories, though you will also be encouraged to develop and pursue your own research directions.

Applicants should have a PhD in physics and a track record of research excellence in quantum field theory, effective field theory, conformal field theory, nonperturbative methods, or related areas. We strongly encourage applicants from underrepresented groups or from institutions with limited resources.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Take a leading role in the research group, developing new research projects 

• Collaborate with members of the Heriot-Watt mathematical physics group, as well as pursue independent collaborations with researchers at other institutions 

• Co-supervise potential PhD students who will be collaborating on research projects 

• Attend weekly research group meetings, as well as the biweekly Edinburgh Mathematical Physics Group joint seminar 

• Interact with other Postdoctoral Research Associates and PhD students working on related projects 

• Contribute to the organisation of local seminars or workshops as necessary 

Education, Qualifications and Experience 

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience: 

Essential: 

• Hold a PhD (or near completion) in Physics, Theoretical Physics, or Mathematical Physics  

• Research experience in quantum field theory 

• Experience in delivering research results in an academic context; e.g. a record of peer-reviewed journal publications and conference presentations 

• Ability to work independently, exercising a high degree of initiative and demonstrating a proactive and flexible approach to research 

Desirable: 

• Experience with nonperturbative methods 

• Experience with conformal field theory and effective field theory 

• Experience supervising graduate student research 

For all criteria, further details and how to apply: enzj.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX/job/4355/?utm_medium=jobshare&utm_source=External+Job+Share

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities.  Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers disc.hw.ac.uk.

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