Postdoctoral Research Associate

Grade UE07 £41,064 - £48,822 per annum

CSE / School of Mathematics

Full time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: 14 months

 

We are looking for a postdoctoral research associate (PDRA) to conduct research on algebraic structures in supersymmetric quantum field theory, under the mentorship of Dr. Alexander Shapiro and Prof. Tudor Dimofte.

The Opportunity:

This position will start on 1st Nov 2025, for a duration of 14 months. It is jointly funded by Dr. Alexander Shapiro’s Royal Society University Research Fellowship Quantum character varieties and positive representation theory and Prof. Tudor Dimofte’s EPRSC Open Fellowship 3d N=4 TQFT’s. The PDRA’s primary responsibility will be to conduct research, ideally interfacing with both of the above themes, e.g. by developing the representation theory of quantized varieties and vertex algebras that arise in 3d supersymmetric gauge theories and their cousins. The PDRA will also interact with a vibrant research community comprising other postdocs, graduate students, and senior staff from the Hodge Institute and Edinburgh Mathematical Physics Group. There are optional opportunities to co-supervise postgraduate research and to organise advanced undergraduate or postgraduate courses.

The position comes with a travel budget to host visitors and/or attend conferences and workshops, as well as an allowance for technology expenses.

 

Your skills and attributes for success:

• Ph.D. in pure mathematics or theoretical physics (to be awarded by 1 July, 2025).
• A demonstrated interest in developing the mathematical structure of quantum field/string theory, and applying quantum field/string theory to develop pure mathematics.
• Background in supersymmetric gauge theory, in particular in the mathematical analysis of states spaces, extended operators, symmetries, and higher symmetries.
• Background in representation theory, quantum algebras, and vertex algebras.
• Desire and/or experience in fostering cohesiveness of a research group (e.g. leading informal reading seminars, organising team-building activities) and promoting a positive and inclusive research culture.

 

Applicants should upload a CV and a brief research statement (max two pages) when applying for the post online. In addition, they should provide contact information for two individuals willing to provide reference letters. Letters will be solicited for shortlisted candidates. For informal enquiries please contact Prof. Dimofte, tudor.dimofte@ed.ac.uk

 

Click to view a copy of the full job description

 

As a valued member of our team you can expect: 

• A competitive salary
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. 
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits 

 

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality. 

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab).

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role.  This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant. 

 

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 24 September 2025. 
 

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone. 
 

Interviews will be held in late September, 2025.

 

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