Postdoctoral Research Associate on Quantum Networking in Bath

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long‑term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role. If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us.

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers a Fixed Term - Full Time position for 24 months with a possible no‑cost extension for approximately 1 year. Working arrangements are flexible, 5 days from 7. The closing date for applications is 10-Dec-2025, 11:59:00 PM. Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.

As one of the UK’s leading universities, Durham is an incredible place to define your career. The University is located within a beautiful historic city, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by stunning countryside. Our talented scholars and researchers from around the world are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives.

The Department is one of the UK’s leading Mathematics departments with an outstanding reputation in teaching, research, and employability of our students. It has an active programme of internationally recognised research in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics and Probability. The research culture is vibrant, with many visitors, seminars, international conferences, and workshops. We aim to provide a supportive and friendly environment with a strong sense of community.

The Department currently has 116 permanent members of staff, following a process of significant growth. The Department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, recognising the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression, and success for all in academia.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Theoretical Physics with a particular emphasis on the topic of Categorical Symmetries in String Theory, Quantum Field Theory and Gravity, as relevant to the Simons Collaboration on Categorical Symmetries, which is funding the position. The successful applicant will be expected to conduct and disseminate research on Categorical Symmetries, and to contribute their own research ideas and experience to the project.

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non‑academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant‑holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant‑holder.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant‑holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant‑holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.

This position is funded until the end of August 2028. Depending on the start date, and subject to a successful no‑cost extension of the grant, an extension until no later than August 2029 might be possible. The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. While this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocol.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post before 01/09/2026, with an earlier start date possible.

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

• You’ll receive 30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year.
• The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered with ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme, and discounts with local bus and train companies.
• We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally with a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications.
• We provide wide‑ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state‑of‑the‑art sport and gym facilities.
• Our on‑site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5‑16.
• Our family‑friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector.
• We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
• You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal.
• Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
• If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs.
• If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest‑free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key component of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We welcome and encourage applications from those who are currently under‑represented in our workforce, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritised ethnic groups.