PhD studentship in Geometry and Mathematical Physics

Physics World; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is inviting applications for five PhD positions in High-Energy Theoretical Physics and Mathematical Physics. Candidates will work under experienced supervisors on cutting-edge research topics including string theory and quantum field theory. This university promotes diversity and inclusivity in a supportive academic environment. Applications must be submitted through the Pure Mathematics PhD portal.

Qualifications

• Strong background in High-Energy Theoretical Physics or Mathematical Physics.
• Familiarity with advanced topics like string theory and quantum field theory.
• Ability to apply formal mathematical techniques to physical problems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in the chosen area related to theoretical physics.
• Work under the supervision of faculty members.
• Participate in the academic community and collaborations.

Job description

The Geometry and Mathematical Physics (GMP) group in School of Mathematics at the University of Birmingham in the UK welcomes applications for at least five PhD positions in High‑Energy Theoretical Physics, Mathematical Physics, Generalised Symmetries and Quantum Field Theory.

The GMP group includes 8 permanent faculty members working on a wide range of subjects at the cutting edge of string theory, formal QFT and mathematical physics.

We are particularly interested in applicants who would like to work with one of the following supervisors on the subjects listed below:

Supervisors and Research Areas

• Dr Lakshya Bhardwaj – study generalised and categorical symmetries using category theory and physical methods, with applications to high‑energy particle physics and to condensed matter physics.
• Dr Daniel Brennan – study formal aspects of generalized symmetries, semiclassical study of monopoles, and the applications of generalized symmetry to problems in particle physics.
• Dr Andrei Constantin – project in the areas of string phenomenology and applications of machine learning to mathematical physics.
• Dr Pavlo Gavrylenko – study the relations between isomonodromic deformations, conformal field theory, supersymmetric gauge theories and string theory; find explicit solutions of (q‑isomonodromic) problems in terms of gauge theory objects or Fredholm determinants; study their global properties and solve classification problems.
• Professor Alessandro Sfondrini – study string theory and the AdS/CFT correspondence through exact techniques, mostly from the theory of integrable systems and two‑dimensional conformal field theory, with a focus on the AdS3/CFT2 holographic duality and its integrable deformations.

All interested candidates should fill in a complete application on the Pure Mathematics PhD portal of the University of Birmingham, at: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/subjects/mathematics-courses/pure-mathematics-phd

Please mention the Geometry and Mathematical Physics group and the preferred supervisor in the application.

We believe there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. The School of Mathematics aims to provide a supportive and people‑focused friendly environment, committed to equality, diversity and inclusivity. We encourage applications from the widest community and provide equal opportunities in our recruitment processes. The School of Mathematics holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award. Athena SWAN is a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression and success for all in academia. The School also supports the London Mathematical Society Good Practice Scheme, whose aim is to support mathematics departments to embed equal opportunities for women within their working practices, and is a member of the Piscopia which forms a UK‑community of women and non‑binary students and mathematics researchers. The University of Birmingham holds the Advance HE’s Race Equality Charter Bronze award, a framework through which we are working to self‑reflect, identify and remove barriers standing in the way of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.