Postdoctoral Research Associate

Durham University; North East; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in the UK is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Theoretical Physics, focusing on Categorical Symmetries. The role involves conducting research, publishing findings, and contributing to a vibrant academic environment. Ideal candidates should possess a PhD in a related field and have a strong publication record. This position offers an innovative research setting with ample opportunities for professional development and collaboration.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Health and wellbeing support

On-site nursery

Volunteering opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in conducting high-quality academic research.
• Demonstrate ability to write publishable material for high-ranked journals.
• Experience with categorical symmetries in relevant theories.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and disseminate research on Categorical Symmetries.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to varied audiences.
• Publish high-quality research outputs.

Skills

Collaborative teamwork

Independent initiative

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in theoretical physics or related subject

Job description

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long‑term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on [e-mail]

Job Description - Postdoctoral Research Associate (25001521)

Job Description

Job Number: 25001521

Department of Mathematical Sciences

Fixed Term - Full Time

Contract Duration : 24 months + possible no‑cost extension for approx 1 year

Working Arrangements : Flexible 5 days from 7

Closing Date

10-Dec-2025, 11:59:00 PM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement : Not Applicable.

As one of the UK’s leading universities, Durham is an incredible place to define your career. The University is located within a beautiful historic city, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by stunning countryside. Our talented scholars and researchers from around the world are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives.

We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world. Being a part of Durham is about more than just the success of the University, it’s also about contributing to the success of the city, county and community.

Our University Strategy is built on three pillars of research, education and wider student experience, but also on our keen sense of community and of inspiring others to achieve their potential.

We want our University to be a place where people can be free to be themselves, no matter what their identity or background. Together, we celebrate difference, value one another and are each responsible for creating an inclusive community that is respectful and fair for all.

The Department is one of the UK's leading Mathematics departments with an outstanding reputation in teaching, research, and employability of our students. It has an active programme of internationally recognised research in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics and Probability. The research culture is vibrant, with many visitors, seminars, international conferences, and workshops. We aim to provide a supportive and friendly environment with a strong sense of community.

The Department currently has 116 permanent members of staff, following a process of significant growth. The Department 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 Department 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.

Durham University is committed to the Concordat to support the career development of researchers. For further information please visit the Research Staff web pages on https://www.durham.ac.uk/research/current/research-culture/.

The Role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Theoretical Physics with a particular emphasis on the topic of Categorical Symmetries in String Theory, Quantum Field Theory and Gravity, as relevant to the Simons Collaboration on Categorical Symmetries, which is funding the position.

The successful applicant will be expected to conduct and disseminate research on Categorical Symmetries, and to contribute their own research ideas and experience to the project.

Key Responsibilities

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non‑academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant‑holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant‑holder.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant‑holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant‑holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.

To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.

This position is funded until the end of August 2028. Depending on the start date, and subject to a successful no‑cost extension of the grant, an extension until no later than August 2029 might be possible.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocol.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post before 01/09/2026, with an earlier start date possible.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

You’ll receive 30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.

We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).

No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost‑effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance.

We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.

We provide wide‑ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state‑of‑the‑art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24‑7 Employee Assistance Programme.

Our on‑site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5‑16.

Our family‑friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).

We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.

You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.

Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.

If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest‑free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here .

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key component of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our Purpose and Values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all colleagues undertake activities that are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

We welcome and encourage applications from those who are currently under‑represented in our workforce, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritised ethnic groups.

If you have taken a career break or periods of leave that may have impacted on the volume and recency of your research outputs and other activities, such as maternity, adoption or parental leave, you may wish to disclose this in your application. The selection committee will take this into account when evaluating your application.

Contact Information

Department contact for academic‑related enquiries

Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application

If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email. Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing to [e-mail]

Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or [phone] from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time. We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays).

How to Apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e‑recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

What to Submit

• a CV and cover letter which details your experience, skills, and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the criteria set out below.
• A research statement of up to two A4 pages.

Next Steps

Short‑listed candidates will be invited to the University for an online interview.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• A PhD (or be close to submission) in theoretical physics or a related subject.

Experience

2. Experience in conducting high quality academic research.

• Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly‑ranked journals.
• Demonstrable ability to present research papers at national or international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
• Experience in the study of topics relevant to categorical symmetries in string theory, quantum field theory and/or gravity.

Skills

• Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
• Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Experience

• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
• A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.
• Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.
• Experience in at least one of: brane dynamics in string theory, gravitational edge modes, holography.

Skills

14. Skills Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.