Postdoctoral Research Associate

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: 3 years (1^st September 2026 – 31^st August 2029)

Applications are invited for a three-year Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics, to work on strong-field problems in gauge theory and gravity.

The opportunity:

The Research Associate will contribute to the Leverhulme Trust project “Exploiting self-duality in strong-field physics”. Research activities include studying the use of self-dual gauge fields in modelling strong-field phenomena, higher-loop calculations and resummation in self-dual backgrounds, calculation of amplitudes and observables, and investigating properties of amplitudes in time-dependent spacetimes.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• PhD (or within 3 months of completion) in Physics, Theoretical Physics or Mathematical Physics.
• Knowledge of quantum field theory and experience with scattering amplitudes.
• Knowledge of the current research frontier in at least one of the following areas: scattering amplitudes; strong field QED; non-perturbative effects; quantum field theory in background fields or curved space; double copy.
• Experience in delivering research results in an academic context; e.g. a record of peer-reviewed journal and conference presentations.
• Capability of working independently, exercising a high degree of initiative, and demonstrating a proactive and flexible approach to work.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be sent to anton.ilderton@ed.ac.uk

Application Information

Please ensure you include in your application:

• Your CV, cover letter and a link to your publication list
• A statement of research experience and interests (maximum 2 pages including references)
• Please arrange for 2 or 3 letters of reference to be sent to physics-references@ed.ac.uk by the deadline

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