Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in Mathematics

Purpose of the Role

Applications are invited for a 36-month Postdoctoral Research Associate position based at King’s College London. The successful candidate will join a research project aimed at developing innovative probabilistic methods to tackle fundamental problems at the intersection of spectral geometry, mathematical physics, and number theory. By exploring the geometry and spatial features of random fields, the project seeks to illuminate complex analytic phenomena that remain out of reach under traditional deterministic frameworks.

Reporting Structure

The PDRA will be based in the Department of Mathematics at King’s College London and will report directly to the Principal Investigator, Professor Igor Wigman.

Key Responsibilities & Research Themes

• The PDRA will contribute to several interconnected research themes combining theoretical analysis, probability, and computational modelling. Core duties include:
• Researching the non-local geometry and topology of Gaussian random fields, and random Laplace eigenfunctions.
• Analysing some features of random cusp forms.
• Developing probabilistic framework to explain spectral phenomena.
• Conducting numerical simulations to test and refine these theories.
• Disseminating research outcomes through journal publications, conferences, seminars, and colloquia.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed-term contract for 3 years.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About you:

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. Academic Qualifications: A PhD (or near completion) in Mathematics, Mathematical Physics, or a closely related discipline.
2. Core Mathematical Foundation: A strong background in at least one of the intersecting mathematical fields relevant to the project, such as probability theory and random fields; spectral geometry; analytic number theory; mathematical physics.
3. Research Output: Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research and a track record of publishing in peer-reviewed academic journals.
4. Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
5. High analytic skills.
6. High ability to program with mathematics software to test mathematics theories.

Desirable criteria

1. Collaborative Ability: Proven ability to work effectively within a research team and engage actively with external collaborators across different mathematical disciplines
2. Experience in more than one of the relevant mathematics disciplines is an advantage.

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

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