Postdoctoral Research Associate in Rare Events in Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics

About the role

A fixed-term position exists for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Soft Matter Group of the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, funded by a UKRI grant on nucleation and extinction in non-equilibrium statistical field theories. The appointee will extend large deviation theory tools to field-theoretic models describing phase transitions in active fluids, species invasions, noise-induced transitions and extinctions, and will work alongside two other postdocs.

Key responsibilities

• Develop analytical and numerical tools to address rare events in stochastic field theories
• Plan and manage your own research, including objectives, proposals and projects
• Disseminate results through presentations and publications
• Contribute to collaborative projects and funding proposals, and build internal and external networks
• Support student research and project supervision, give limited instruction, and deliver research seminars

Required profile

• PhD in Theoretical Physics, Applied Mathematics or a closely related field, or very close to completion
• Appointment at Research Associate level is conditional on receiving the PhD; candidates awaiting award are appointed at Research Assistant level first
• Availability to start by 1 October 2027, with an earlier start preferred

Required skills

• Strong familiarity with statistical field theory and at least some acquaintance with large deviation theory, or vice versa
• Ability to combine analytical and numerical skills to solve complex problems

Applications are made online through the university's recruitment system, with two academic referees, a CV, a publication list and a one-page research summary. Interviews are online in February 2027; the closing date is 15 January 2027, with references due by 22 January 2027. The grant ends on 31 December 2028, so the appointment is limited accordingly.