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The University of Edinburgh
Postdoctoral Research Associate
City of Edinburgh On-site 2-5 yrs exp£42k – £50k / year
Representation TheoryPoisson GeometryCluster AlgebrasQuantum TopologyTopological Quantum Field Theory
Requirements
Applicants must have a PhD in pure mathematics or theoretical physics, awarded or nearly completed before starting the position. They should have a demonstrated research background in one or more relevant fields and an interest in fostering a cohesive, positive, and inclusive research group.
Job Description
Job Description
School of Mathematics
Postdoctoral Research Associate
UE07 - £41,885 - £49,798
Full time – 35 hours per week
Fixed term for between 1-2 years with the possibility of extension
We are looking for a postdoctoral research associate (PDRA) to conduct research within the Hodge Institute, in the School of Mathematics, in areas related to representation theory, cluster algebras, quantum topology, and interactions with quantum field theory.
The Opportunity
The PDRA position will start on or around 1 st July 2027, for between 1-2 years with the possibility of extension. It is funded by the University Research Fellowship of Dr. Alexander Shapiro ( Alexander.Shapiro@ed.ac.uk ). Overall, we would encourage applications from candidates with an independent research vision and portfolio, who would interact with the vibrant research community in the Hodge Institute . While the PDRA’s primary responsibility will be to conduct research (both individually and in collaboration with members of our group), they will also be encouraged to help organise Hodge Institute seminars and other group activities, to host research visitors, and (depending on funding source) to organise grant-funded workshops and conferences.
The positions come with a travel budget to host visitors and/or attend conferences and workshops, as well as an allowance for technology expenses.
Your Skills And Attributes For Success
How To Apply
Please include the following documents in your application:
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also a Stonewall Proud Employer, actively promoting LGBTQ+ equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab)
The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 10 December, 2026
Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.
Interviews will be held in December 2026 and January 2027.
About Us
As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
About The Team
The School of Mathematics
The University of Edinburgh's School of Mathematics is one of the world’s leading mathematical sciences departments, home to world-class researchers and to an innovative educational environment for both undergraduates and postgraduates. We are proud to have a highly international faculty and students from around the world. As a School we value both the breadth and depth of our research and teaching.
We have around 110 permanent faculty and around 45 research fellows and research associates, who cover a broad range of research topics in pure and applied mathematics, operational research and statistics. The School has an enviable record of attracting prestigious fellowships and currently hosts, for instance, 6 ERC grant holders and 7 Royal Society University Research and Dorothy Hodgkin Fellows. In the 2023 Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects we are ranked 18 th among the world’s best Mathematics departments. Together with the Departments of Mathematics and Actuarial Mathematics & Statistics at Heriot-Watt University, we form the Maxwell Institute; our joint submission to REF2021was ranked 3rd in the UK for Mathematical Sciences by research power, based on the quality and breadth of our combined research.
The School delivers a world-leading educational experience for its students and is constantly exploring new evidence-based ideas in mathematical education in order to provide a stimulating learning environment. There are excellent possibilities for imaginative curriculum development, including online activities, and course design and delivery. The School teaches pure and applied Mathematics, operational research and statistics. We have approximately 1000 undergraduate students, around 210 MSc students, and our Graduate School has close to 160 PhD students.
Edinburgh is home to the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences, one of the UK’s two major conference centres in the mathematical sciences and operated jointly by the University with Heriot-Watt University. Over the past 30 years the centre has established a superb reputation for hosting workshops at the highest scientific level on all mathematical topics, attracting many of the best mathematicians in the world to the UK.
The School is located in the James Clerk Maxwell Building which is situated on the King's Buildings campus, approximately 3 kilometres south of the city centre.
Further information about the School, our research and our teaching is available on the School of Mathematics Website ( https://www.maths.ed.ac.uk ) (Opens in new browser tab)
School of Mathematics
Postdoctoral Research Associate
UE07 - £41,885 - £49,798
Full time – 35 hours per week
Fixed term for between 1-2 years with the possibility of extension
We are looking for a postdoctoral research associate (PDRA) to conduct research within the Hodge Institute, in the School of Mathematics, in areas related to representation theory, cluster algebras, quantum topology, and interactions with quantum field theory.
The Opportunity
The PDRA position will start on or around 1 st July 2027, for between 1-2 years with the possibility of extension. It is funded by the University Research Fellowship of Dr. Alexander Shapiro ( Alexander.Shapiro@ed.ac.uk ). Overall, we would encourage applications from candidates with an independent research vision and portfolio, who would interact with the vibrant research community in the Hodge Institute . While the PDRA’s primary responsibility will be to conduct research (both individually and in collaboration with members of our group), they will also be encouraged to help organise Hodge Institute seminars and other group activities, to host research visitors, and (depending on funding source) to organise grant-funded workshops and conferences.
The positions come with a travel budget to host visitors and/or attend conferences and workshops, as well as an allowance for technology expenses.
Your Skills And Attributes For Success
- Ph.D. in pure mathematics or theoretical physics (to be awarded or almost completed before taking up the post)
- Evidenced research background in one or more of the following areas: representation theory, Poisson geometry, cluster algebra, quantum topology, topological quantum field theory.
- Desire and/or experience in fostering cohesiveness of a research group (e.g. leading informal reading seminars, organising team-building activities) and promoting a positive and inclusive research culture.
How To Apply
Please include the following documents in your application:
- CV
- Research statement
- Contact information for three referees. Letters will be requested for shortlisted candidates.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits.
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also a Stonewall Proud Employer, actively promoting LGBTQ+ equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab)
The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 10 December, 2026
Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.
Interviews will be held in December 2026 and January 2027.
About Us
As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
About The Team
The School of Mathematics
The University of Edinburgh's School of Mathematics is one of the world’s leading mathematical sciences departments, home to world-class researchers and to an innovative educational environment for both undergraduates and postgraduates. We are proud to have a highly international faculty and students from around the world. As a School we value both the breadth and depth of our research and teaching.
We have around 110 permanent faculty and around 45 research fellows and research associates, who cover a broad range of research topics in pure and applied mathematics, operational research and statistics. The School has an enviable record of attracting prestigious fellowships and currently hosts, for instance, 6 ERC grant holders and 7 Royal Society University Research and Dorothy Hodgkin Fellows. In the 2023 Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects we are ranked 18 th among the world’s best Mathematics departments. Together with the Departments of Mathematics and Actuarial Mathematics & Statistics at Heriot-Watt University, we form the Maxwell Institute; our joint submission to REF2021was ranked 3rd in the UK for Mathematical Sciences by research power, based on the quality and breadth of our combined research.
The School delivers a world-leading educational experience for its students and is constantly exploring new evidence-based ideas in mathematical education in order to provide a stimulating learning environment. There are excellent possibilities for imaginative curriculum development, including online activities, and course design and delivery. The School teaches pure and applied Mathematics, operational research and statistics. We have approximately 1000 undergraduate students, around 210 MSc students, and our Graduate School has close to 160 PhD students.
Edinburgh is home to the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences, one of the UK’s two major conference centres in the mathematical sciences and operated jointly by the University with Heriot-Watt University. Over the past 30 years the centre has established a superb reputation for hosting workshops at the highest scientific level on all mathematical topics, attracting many of the best mathematicians in the world to the UK.
The School is located in the James Clerk Maxwell Building which is situated on the King's Buildings campus, approximately 3 kilometres south of the city centre.
Further information about the School, our research and our teaching is available on the School of Mathematics Website ( https://www.maths.ed.ac.uk ) (Opens in new browser tab)
Education
Postgraduate Degree
Skills
Representation TheoryPoisson GeometryCluster AlgebrasQuantum TopologyTopological Quantum Field TheoryPure MathematicsTheoretical PhysicsIndependent ResearchResearch CollaborationSeminar OrganizationResearch Group DevelopmentInclusive Research CultureWorkshop OrganizationConference Organization