At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct innovative research in mathematical modelling for formulated products and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham's School of Mathematics, a hub for cutting-edge research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with industry leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the world of formulated products through advanced mathematical techniques.
- Qualifications: Degree in applied mathematics or related field; strong analytical and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36636 - 46049 £ per year.
Position Details
School of Mathematics, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK.
Full time, starting salary £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression to £48,822.
Grade: 7. Fixed‑term contract up to August 2028 or 24 months from start date.
Closing date: 31 May 2026. Interviews will take place online on 16 June or 23 June.
Background
The post supports the newly established £2.8M EPSRC Network Plus "Scale Up Mathematics for Formulated Products" (SUM4Products). The network seeks to build a multidisciplinary partnership of academics in engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry, biology and industrial partners from micro‑SMEs to multinational firms. Mathematics underpins the development of predictive modelling capabilities that unlock innovation across the sector. Four Innovation Research Associates (InRAs) will be appointed at Edinburgh, Bristol, UCL and Birmingham. The role is part of this group and will work closely with academic and industrial partners of the SUM4Products network and with other InRAs and early‑career researchers.
Role Summary
- Research activities: Carry out independent and collaborative research on mathematical modelling of formulated products, identifying fruitful research lines.
- Disseminate findings through internal reports, conference proceedings and journal publications.
- Develop personal research plans and contribute to the wider development of the SUM4Products network strategy.
- Contribute to grant bids, providing guidance to staff and students on integrating methods and results.
Main Duties
- Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint projects, with mentor assistance if required.
- Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
- Analyse and interpret data, applying knowledge to develop new intellectual understanding.
- Disseminate research findings for publication, seminars, etc.
- Supervise and guide students on research-related work and PhD students where appropriate.
- Develop new models, techniques, and methods.
- Undertake research management and administration.
- Contribute to departmental and school research activities and related administration.
- Engage in enterprise, business development, and public engagement benefiting the College and University.
- Collect research data using experimental methods, literature reviews, or interviews.
- Present research outputs at seminars and as posters.
- Provide guidance to support staff and students aiding research.
- Address problems affecting research objectives and deadlines.
- Promote equality and diversity, acting as a role model for an inclusive workplace.
Person Specification
- First degree and normally a higher degree in applied mathematics, physical sciences, engineering, or a closely related field.
- High analytical capability and ability to interpret mathematical and computational results in real‑world contexts.
- Clear communication of complex information and a record of peer‑reviewed publications.
- Fluency in relevant models and techniques, with the ability to develop new methodologies.
- Proven track record of modelling research in formulation science (fluid dynamics, continuum mechanics, soft matter, interfacial phenomena, heat and mass transfer, or related areas).
- Ability to acquire new mathematical and computational skills as required.
- Collaborative working with multidisciplinary researchers.
- Resource assessment and effective use of resources.
- Understanding and contribution to broader management and administration processes.
- Planning and organising research programmes and specific projects.
- Coordination of work with others to avoid duplication and conflict.
- Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and commitment to treating protected characteristics fairly.
- (Desirable) Experience collaborating with industrial partners.
- (Desirable) Experience scoping new research projects and identifying mathematical or computational solutions.
Informal enquiries: Rosemary Dyson, email: r.j.dyson@bham.ac.uk
Use of AI in applications: We aim to assess genuine interest in the role; applications that rely heavily on AI tools are unlikely to progress to interview.
Research Fellow in Mathematical Modelling of Formulated Products - School of Mathematics - 1073[...] in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
Contact Detail:
University of Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Mathematical Modelling of Formulated Products - School of Mathematics - 1073[...] in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Birmingham, especially those in the School of Mathematics. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those online interviews! Brush up on your research and be ready to discuss how your work aligns with the SUM4Products network. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative spirit! Highlight any past experiences working with multidisciplinary teams. This role is all about teamwork, so let’s show them we’re ready to jump in and contribute!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Mathematical Modelling of Formulated Products - School of Mathematics - 1073[...] in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We want to see how you can contribute to the SUM4Products network, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant research experience!
Show Off Your Research Skills: Since this role involves a lot of independent and collaborative research, be sure to detail your previous research projects. We love seeing how you've tackled complex problems and what methodologies you've used, so share those insights!
Communicate Clearly: Your ability to communicate complex information is key! Use clear and concise language in your application to demonstrate your communication skills. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can present their findings effectively, so make it easy for us to understand your achievements.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Research
Before the interview, dive deep into your past research and be ready to discuss how it relates to mathematical modelling of formulated products. Highlight specific projects where you've developed new methodologies or tackled complex problems, as this will show your analytical capability.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working with multidisciplinary teams, prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past. Be ready to discuss any experiences with industrial partners or how you’ve contributed to joint projects, as this will demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a team.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex mathematical concepts in simple terms. The interviewers will want to see how well you can communicate your ideas, especially when discussing your research findings or methodologies. Use clear examples from your previous work to illustrate your points.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the SUM4Products network and its goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their objectives. It’s also a great way to engage with the interviewers and leave a positive impression.