Research Associate - Quantum Mathematics

UNSW; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Australia seeks a Research Associate (Level A) to enhance their research capabilities in mathematics and statistics. The successful candidate will contribute to significant projects while participating in limited undergraduate teaching. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to work within a vibrant academic community.

Qualifications

• PhD completed or near completion in theoretical mathematics.
• Expertise in Operator Algebraic representations (desirable).
• Proven commitment to high-quality academic research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research and contribute to team efforts.
• Support dissemination of research outcomes.
• Undertake limited undergraduate teaching.

Skills

Research Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Education

PhD in theoretical mathematics

Job description

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

The School of Mathematics and Statistics currently has more than eighty continuing academic staff and more than thirty research staff as well as visiting academics. UNSW is the only university in Australia to be ranked in the top 100 in the world in mathematics and statistics by CWTS Leiden, US News and QS. The School embodies a broad range of research interests in the areas of applied and pure mathematics, and statistics.

This Research Associate (Level A) is expected to contribute towards the research effort of UNSW and to develop their research expertise through the pursuit of defined projects relevant to Australian Research Council Discovery Project DP250100297: A new twist on product decompositions: twisted algebras for Zappa–Szép products. The Research Associate may also be expected to contribute to the teaching effort of the School of Mathematics and Statistics through limited teaching (no more than 15% of the role’s total time in aggregate) in research-related undergraduate subjects.

THIS ROLE IS BASED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

About the role

• Level A - $110K - $117K plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed Term – 2.5 years (with possible 6-month extension based on performance and funding)
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The role reports to Professor Aidan Sims and has no direct reports.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Contribute independently or as a team member in collaborative research with a focus to enhance the quality of research outcomes in the discipline area.
• Conduct research (as per the norms of the discipline) and/or enable research teams to create scholarly output that is recognised by peers.
• Undertake specific research project/s under the guidance of a research leader and contribute to development of research activities.
• Support the dissemination of research outcomes through appropriate channels and outlets.
• Undertake discipline-appropriate research activities, e.g. surveys, literature reviews, data gathering and/or recording of results using appropriate research methods.
• Participate in and/or present at conferences and/or workshops relevant to the project as required.
• Assist with the supervision of research students in the research area where required.
• Undertake limited research-related undergraduate teaching to help identify and attract excellent potential research students.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Completed, or near to completion of a PhD in theoretical mathematics, specifically functional analysis.
• Expertise in Operator Algebraic representations of algebraic objects or algebraic homology (desirable)
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated track record of or potential for publication and conference presentations relative to opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team, collaborate mathematically and build effective relationships.
• Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and students.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.

For informal queries, please see the below contact details.

Otherwise, please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.

Contact:
Aidan Sims
E: [e-mail]

Applications close: July 1st, 2025

Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.