13467 - Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on strong-field problems in gauge theory and gravity for a three-year term. The successful candidate will contribute to research on self-duality in strong-field physics, varying from gauge field studies to calculating amplitudes. A PhD in Physics or a closely related field is required, along with relevant research experience and strong independent work capabilities. Competitive salary and a vibrant research environment await.

Qualifications

• PhD or near completion in relevant fields.
• Experience in delivering research results in an academic context.
• Familiarity with strong field QED and non-perturbative effects.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the project on self-duality in strong-field physics.
• Study self-dual gauge fields for strong-field modeling.
• Perform higher-loop calculations in self-dual backgrounds.

Skills

Knowledge of quantum field theory

Experience with scattering amplitudes

Capability of working independently

Knowledge of current research frontier

Education

PhD in Physics, Theoretical Physics or Mathematical Physics

Job description

Grade UE07: £41,064 to £48,822 per annum

CSE / School of Physics and Astronomy

Full-Time: 35 hours per week

Fixed Term: 3 years (1st September 2026 – 31st August 2029)

Applications are invited for a three-year Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics, to work on strong‑field problems in gauge theory and gravity.

The Opportunity

The Research Associate will contribute to the Leverhulme Trust project “Exploiting self‑duality in strong‑field physics”.

• Studying the use of self‑dual gauge fields in modelling strong‑field phenomena
• Higher‑loop calculations and resummation in self‑dual backgrounds
• Calculation of amplitudes and observables
• Investigating properties of amplitudes in time‑dependent spacetimes

Your skills and attributes for success

• PhD (or within 3 months of completion) in Physics, Theoretical Physics or Mathematical Physics.
• Knowledge of quantum field theory and experience with scattering amplitudes.
• Knowledge of the current research frontier in at least one of the following areas: scattering amplitudes; strong field QED; non‑perturbative effects; quantum field theory in background fields or curved space; double copy.
• Experience in delivering research results in an academic context; e.g. a record of peer‑reviewed journal and conference presentations.
• Capability of working independently, exercising a high degree of initiative, and demonstrating a proactive and flexible approach to work.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be sent to [e-mail]

Application Information

Please ensure you include in your application:

• Your CV, cover letter and a link to your publication list
• A statement of research experience and interests (maximum 2 pages including references)
• Please arrange for 2 or 3 letters of reference to be sent to [e-mail] by the deadline