Research Assistant/Associate in Theoretical Computer Science (Fixed Term)

About the role

The Department of Computer Science and Technology at the University of Cambridge is inviting applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join Professor Tom Gurs's research group. The post is fixed term, funded for 1 year, and sits within a broader effort to advance fundamental research in classical and quantum complexity theory. The successful candidate will carry out research on the interplay of theoretical computer science, mathematics and quantum mechanics, with opportunities to collaborate with faculty and PhD students.

Key responsibilities

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint projects, and conduct individual and collaborative research
• Write up research work for presentation and publication, and keep up to date with advances in the field
• Manage own research and administrative activities, and help prepare proposals and applications to external bodies such as funding agencies
• Communicate specialist or highly technical material
• May assist in supervising student projects, give limited instruction to classes, help develop student research skills and deliver seminars on the research area
• Liaise with colleagues and students and build internal and external contacts
• Plan the use of research resources, laboratories and workshops, and contribute to joint research projects led by the principal investigator

Required profile

• A PhD in Computer Science or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research or industry experience; candidates close to completing their PhD are considered
• Some research experience with sufficient breadth and depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques
• Experience of managing own workload
• Commitment to continuous professional development

Appointments at Research Associate level depend on having a PhD or equivalent skills and experience; those who have not yet received their PhD start as Research Assistant and move to Research Associate once the degree is awarded. The advertised salary is £33,002-£35,608 for Research Assistant and £37,694-£46,049 for Research Associate, with an additional 2.5% supplement. Applications are made online with a cover letter, CV, brief research statement and two references, quoting reference NR51230; the closing date is 1 December 2026.