Research Fellow - Shape-Transforming Active Microfluidics x2 (111445-0326) in Coventry

The newly-founded Soft Matter Mathematics Group at the University of Warwick is looking for up to 4 creative and enthusiastic postdoctoral researchers to join Prof. Tom Montenegro‑Johnson in working on a range of problems as part of the Leverhulme‑funded Award “Shape‑Transforming Active Microfluidics”. The work is a primarily theoretical/computational exploration of microscale dynamics of systems that are both “active” (such as Janus particles) and soft/flexible, with some shape‑change components (for instance, temperature‑responsive hydrogels). We are interested in using this coupled dynamics to provide additional functionality to microscale systems, such as microfluidic actuators and swarms of biomedical microbots.

You will be working as part of an inclusive and flexible team, based in the Warwick Maths Institute, a world‑leading mathematics department. You will have opportunities to travel in the UK and abroad, on research visits to collaborating groups and to conferences, as well as the opportunity to engage with industry via the department’s new CAMaCS centre. You will be given both time and mentoring support to develop your own research profile and broader skills. You will work closely with experimental collaborators, have the opportunity to engage with industrial partners, and have the opportunity to undertake experimental work yourself. Public Engagement, and working with artists, is an important part of our practice as a group.

Start Date: This advert includes x2 Research Fellow fixed‑term positions, for up to 18 months depending on start date. The end date is fixed as 30th November 2027.

About You: You should have (or be due to submit soon) a PhD, or have equivalent experience, in applied mathematics, physics, an engineering science (including chemical engineering), or computational science.

You Will Be Part Of a Team With a Broad Range Of Expertise, And You Are Particularly Encouraged To Apply If You Have Experience In Any Of (but Not Limited To):

• Continuum Mechanics (fluid and solid)
• Soft Matter Physics
• AI for applied mathematics
• Asymptotic Analysis
• Biological/Active Matter

You will have excellent communication and presentation skills, and be comfortable talking about your work with academics from other disciplines and non‑specialists. You will have a record of research papers published in journals (or accepted to be published). You will have a high capacity for original research and creative thought, as well as the ability to manage your time effectively across multiple strands of research.

PhD Status: If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum). Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

About The Department: Warwick Mathematics Institute is internationally recognised for its research and our best undergraduates are a match for those at any other UK university. Our historical strengths in pure mathematics are now complemented by increasingly broad coverage of applied subjects. We run a wide range of weekly seminar series, and many workshops and conferences, for which our Mathematics Research Centre provides organisational support.

About The University: We are a world‑leading research‑intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK. Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world‑leading or internationally excellent.

How to Apply: CLOSING DEADLINE: Sunday 12th April 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time). To apply, please click APPLY below and submit your application by the closing deadline. You Will Be Asked To Include Two Attachments:

• Your first attachment should include a CV and a list of publications (as one document).
• Your second attachment should include your research statement and a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the criteria of the person specification.

All applicants should ensure that their three referees send their references by email to Alison Glendinning, Senior Administrative Assistant, at MathematicsPA@warwick.ac.uk.

Interview Date: To be confirmed. Start Date: 01 May 2026. Applications must be submitted by the closing deadline. Only applications submitted through our Careers Portal will be considered. You are welcome to include any careers breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long‑term sick leave). Please note that if you do not evidence the essential criteria, the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application.

What We Offer: We Provide a Comprehensive Range Of Benefits, Including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Our Commitment to Inclusion: Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion. Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Safeguarding & DBS: The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with. Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.

Rehabilitation of Ex‑Offenders: The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction. Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.