Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role
The position is funded through the EPSRC project “Zeros, Algorithms, and Correlation for graph polynomials”.

We study various combinatorially defined polynomials such as the independence polynomial, the chromatic polynomial, the Tutte polynomial, and various others that arise also as partition functions of spin systems from statistical physics. The goal will be to investigate the behaviour of the complex zeros of (classes of) these polynomials. The behaviour of the zeros is closely connected with the algorithmic tractability of (approximately) evaluating these polynomials and partition functions; we will look to develop these connections further to obtain new counting algorithms. We will also investigate connections to correlation decay in the corresponding statistical physics models.

The project has the potential to bring together ideas from several different areas: mathematics (polynomials, probability, complex dynamics systems), theoretical computer science (computational counting algorithms), and statistical physics.

About You
The successful applicant will have, or soon obtain, a PhD degree in mathematics or related, or equivalent level of professional qualifications and experience, with expertise in at least one of the areas: graph polynomials and partition functions, computational counting algorithms and complexity, combinatorics, models in statistical physics.

About the School
The School has an exceptionally strong research presence across the spectrum of Mathematical Sciences. It is part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, which comprises five schools and two institutes.

This position is based in the Centre of Combinatorics, Algebra & Number Theory. Other Centres include the Centre for Probability, Statistics & Data Science, the Centre for Geometry, Analysis and Gravitation, the Centre for Dynamical Systems, Statistical Physics and Complex Systems, and the Centre for Mathematical Education.

About Queen Mary
At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits
We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

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