Postdoctoral Research Associate in Physics

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Job Description - Postdoctoral Research Associate in Physics

Job Number: 25000155

Department: Department of Physics

Grade: 7 - £38,249.00 per annum

Contract Duration: 12 months

Working Arrangements: This role is full time but we will consider requests for flexible working arrangements including potential job shares.

Closing Date

20-Mar-2025, 11:59:00 PM

The Role

The successful candidate will contribute significantly to the interdisciplinary Leverhulme Trust Research Grant RPG-2024-071, “Modelling the Black Death and Social Connectivity in Medieval England”.

They will have an excellent research record in modelling of complex physical or societal systems and the analysis of corresponding data. Within the project, they will be responsible for:

• various aspects of the modelling, primarily the adaptation and extension of the existing epidemiological JUNE model to the historical reality of 14th century England,
• the formatting of historical geographic and demographic data for ingestion into the model,
• the analysis of model results with historical fatality data, and their visualisation suitable for peer-reviewed publications and wider engagement activities.

Working alongside Professor Frank Krauss in Physics, the successful candidate will work with colleagues in History, including the project Principal Investigator, Dr Alex Brown, and a fellow PDRA, Dr Grace Owen, as well as colleagues in Archaeology.

Therefore, the successful candidate will have a well-developed collaborative mindset and strong communication and interpersonal skills when interacting with a wide range of different research cultures and traditions. It is essential that the successful candidates have a PhD in Mathematics, Physics, or a closely related field, and will have demonstrated strength in independent research appropriate to their experience.

Responsibilities:

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to various audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
• 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 to identify areas for research.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding.
• To plan and manage own research activity and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students.
• To be involved in student supervision and assist with the assessment of students.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial working environment which is inclusive and welcoming.
• To engage in citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development.

This post is fixed term for 12 months with a possible extension of another 12 months subject to funding.

The Requirements

Qualifications

• A good first degree in a relevant area of Physics or Mathematics.
• A PhD (or be close to submission) in Physics, Mathematics, or a related subject.

Experience

• Experience in conducting high quality academic research using theoretical/computational techniques.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• A track record of presenting research at conferences.

Skills

• An evidenced background in Mathematical modelling of real-world systems.
• Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team.
• Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial working environment.

How to Apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below.

What to Submit

• A CV and cover letter detailing your experience, skills, and achievements.

Next Steps

Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person, and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department.

Please note that in submitting your application, Durham University will be processing your data.