Research Associate

Grade UE07: £41,064 to  £48,822 per annum

CSE / School of Informatics

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: 30th June 2026

Applications are invited for research associate positions in Algorithms and Complexity, funded by the European Research Council (ERC) starting grant “New Approaches to Counting and Sampling” (NACS), led by Dr. Heng Guo in the School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh.

The Opportunity:

The project NACS aims to explore new frontiers in computational counting and sampling, including developing new algorithms and analysis techniques. Typical tools and topics are Markov chains Monte Carlo, Lovasz local lemma, high dimensional expanders, geometry of polynomials, etc. The successful applicant will be generously supported by the project and will have the opportunity to collaborate with project partners.

Your skills and attributes for success: 

Essential:

• PhD (or near completion) in Computer Science, Mathematics, or related fields
• Evidence of the ability to conduct high-quality research and produce publications in top-tier venues
• Confidence in understanding and handling of complex mathematical ideas. Firm knowledge of randomised algorithms and discrete probability.

Desirable:

• Experience of research in computational counting and sampling
• Outstanding publication record
• Excellence in written and oral communication, planning and time management skills

Contact details for enquiries: Heng Guo (hguo@inf.ed.ac.uk)

Click to view a copy of the full job description (opens new browser tab)

Application Information

Please include the following documents in your application:

CV

Cover letter

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary of £41,064 - £48,822
• 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, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. 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 22nd October 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.

Feedback is only provided to interviewed candidates.

As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.