13373 - Lecturer or Reader in Theoretical Plasma Physics

University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious UK university is seeking an academic staff member for a position at the Centre for Plasma Theory. This role involves conducting advanced research in theoretical plasmas and teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The university encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and is open to flexible working patterns. A PhD and strong research experience in the field are essential, along with proven teaching capabilities.

Qualifications

• PhD and significant further research experience in theoretical plasmas.
• Ability and commitment to work with research students and postdoctoral researchers.
• Commitment to excellent teaching of undergraduate and post‑graduate courses.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in theoretical plasmas and develop an ambitious research programme.
• Engage in teaching and mentoring of students.

Skills

PhD in theoretical plasmas

Capacity to develop academic leadership

Significant international recognition

Ability to develop research proposals

Commitment to excellent teaching

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

Grade UE08 (£50,253-£61,759) or UE09 (£63,606-£78,469)

College of Science & Engineering, School of Physics and Astronomy

Open ended contract, 35 hours per week

Number of positions: 1

Applications are invited for an academic staff position at the Centre for Plasma Theory (CPT), in the University of Edinburgh School of Physics and Astronomy. This position forms part of a strategic initiative to expand CPT. Candidates are also encouraged to apply for the Lecturer/Reader that is being advertised through The School of Mathematics.

The Opportunity

The Centre for Plasma Theory, established in 2025, is a collaborative research institution that brings together researchers from the Schools of Mathematics, and Physics & Astronomy, with interests in theoretical aspects of plasma physics including both kinetic and fluid theory and simulation. We aim to be a vibrant, successful and interactive research centre that generates and exploits new ideas and discoveries in the field of theoretical plasmas. We aim to be a national centre for plasma theory with applications in both fusion and astrophysical plasmas, embedded in a wider UK network.

With this new appointment, we aim to bring an outstanding theoretician to the Centre. We seek a highly creative researcher pursuing an original, ambitious research programme in theoretical plasmas and an inspiring teacher.

CPT and the School of Physics and Astronomy are committed to promoting diversity in plasma theory and we specially encourage application from women and applicants from other under‑represented groups.

This post is open ended and full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering part‑time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non‑contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on‑campus working.

The salary for this post is Lecturer UE08 £50,253-£61,759 or Reader UE09 £63,606-£78,469 per annum.

The appointment will be at either Lecturer (UE08) or Reader (UE09) level, depending on experience.

Your skills and attributes for success

• PhD and significant further research experience in theoretical plasmas
• Capacity to develop academic leadership
• Significant, and growing, international recognition
• Good understanding of the wider discipline
• Ability to develop research proposals and win support for them
• Ability and commitment to work with research students and postdoctoral researchers
• Commitment to excellent teaching of undergraduate and post‑graduate courses
• Excellent communication, presentation and organisational skills