Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role
The Centre for Theoretical Physics and Astronomy in the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) and the Centre for Geometry Analysis and Gravitation in the School of Mathematical Sciences (SMS) invite applications for two fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Associates positions in Theoretical Physics. One position is for 3 years and one for 2 years.

Applicants should have a strong research record within theoretical physics and demonstrate potential to contribute strongly to the schools’ joint research project “Amplitudes and Quantum Fields” funded by the STFC Particle Physics Theory Consolidated Grant 2025 “Amplitudes, Strings and Duality”.

We are seeking candidates with substantial experience and leadership in key areas of this project: development of modern amplitudes methods; applications of amplitudes to classical gravity and gravitational waves; computation of amplitudes in gauge theories and gravity; colour-kinematics duality and the classical double copy; string amplitudes and amplitude methods for cosmology.

About You
The successful candidates will hold a PhD (or equivalent) in theoretical physics and have expertise in modern scattering amplitudes research. In particular, they are expected to work with academics, postdocs and PhD students of the two involved Centres, and bring research experience in several of the key areas mentioned above. They will be required to have strong analytical skills, to be an effective team player and be able to work independently.

About the School/Department/Institute/Project
The Centres build on an exceptional record of achievements in theoretical physics. Since 2004 they have led developments in the rapidly growing field of modern scattering amplitudes methods, with academics including Andi Brandhuber, Scott Melville, Ricardo Monteiro, Gabriele Travaglini, Congkao Wen and Chris White (SPCS), and Gustav Mogull and Rodolfo Russo (SMS). Our interests are very broad, with a recent focus on amplitudes in gauge theory and gravity, applications to classical physics and gravitational waves, the (classical) double copy, string amplitudes, phenomenology and cosmology. The positions will provide the successful candidates with an exceptional opportunity to become part of a highly active research community. Both positions are based in SPCS but interaction with academics in both Centres is expected.

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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