Innovation research Associate for EPSRC Network Plus Scale Up Mathematics for Formulated Products

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

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Edinburgh is seeking an Innovation Research Associate to join an important project aimed at establishing the UK as a leader in formulation science. The role involves collaboration with diverse academic and industrial partners, tackling challenges in mathematical and scientific research. Candidates with a PhD in applied mathematics or related fields and a strong track record in modelling-based research are encouraged to apply. The position offers a fixed-term contract for 24 months with competitive rewards and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive reward package

Generous holiday entitlement

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• A good undergraduate degree and a PhD in relevant fields.
• Proven track record in formulation science.
• Demonstrable skills in solving research problems.

Responsibilities

• Scoping up and delivering research projects.
• Contributing to SUM4Products events.
• Communicating the results through various means.

Skills

Modelling-based research

Mathematical and/or computational skills

Communication skills

Independent and team work

Education

PhD in applied mathematics, physical sciences, engineering or related area

Job description

UE07: £41,064.00 - £48,822.00 Per Annum.

School of Engineering, College of Science & Engineering

Fixed Term Contract - 24 Months.

Full Time - 35 hours per week.

The Opportunity:

We are looking for an Innovation Research Associate (InRA) for the newly established £2.8M EPSRC Network Plus “Scale Up Mathematics for Formulated Products” (SUM4Products). For this position, the appointed InRA will be hosted in Prof Halim Kusumaatmaja’s group at the University of Edinburgh. There is a parallel SUM4Products InRA recruitment at the University of Bristol, and candidates are welcomed to apply to both positions.

The SUM4Products network aims to build a long‑lasting, multi‑disciplinary network of excellence that propels the UK as a global leader in formulation science and engineering with mathematics at the heart. It will connect academics from multiple disciplines, including engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry, and biology with industrial partners from companies of all sizes, from micro‑SMEs to multi‑nationals. Mathematics will provide the underlying frameworks for developing predictive modelling capabilities that will unlock innovation across the sector. A variety of events to seed collaborations using tried‑and‑tested formats will be organised, and pump‑priming funding will be made available to develop multi‑disciplinary collaborations.

Core to the delivery of SUM4Products is a group of Innovation Research Associates (InRAs) to tackle mathematical and scientific challenges pertinent to the formulation sector. Four InRAs will be appointed in Edinburgh, Bristol, UCL, and Birmingham. They will have opportunities to work with academic and industrial members across the SUM4Products network, and they will be encouraged to collaborate with other InRAs and Early Career Researchers involved in the SUM4Products network.

Key Activities:

• Scoping up and delivering research projects in collaboration with academic and industrial partners.
• Contributing to SUM4Products events, including the annual conference, study group, and triaging workshop.
• Communicating the results through appropriate means, which may include research papers, oral presentations, open‑source software release, and case studies.

The position is expected to commence in March 2026, with some flexibility in the starting date. The post is for 24 months. Informal enquiries are welcome and should please be directed to [e-mail].

Your skills and attributes for success:

• A good undergraduate degree and a PhD in applied mathematics, physical sciences, engineering or a clearly related area.
• Proven track record of modelling‑based research in areas relevant to formulation science, including but not limited to fluid dynamics, continuum mechanics, soft matter, interfacial phenomena, heat and mass transfer.
• Demonstrable mathematical and/or computational skills to solve research problems.
• Demonstrable ability to work independently and in a team.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including with colleagues from different background and technical expertise.

Click to view a copy of the full job description (opens new browser tab).

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. We give you support, nurture your talent and reward success. You will benefit from a competitive reward package and a wide range of staff benefits, which includes a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefit pension scheme, staff discounts, family‑friendly initiatives, flexible working and much more. Click to access our staff benefits page (opens new browser tab) for further information and use our reward calculator to find out the total value of pay and benefits provided.

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 Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

If invited for interview 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 may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.