Research Associate/Fellow

Mathematical Sciences

University Park

£31,637 to £46,735 per annum pro-rata depending on skills and experience. Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.

Tuesday 06 May 2025

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We are looking for a researcher, whose expertise lies in numerical methods for dynamical systems, to work with Dr Rachel Nicks and Professor Stephen Coombes on a Leverhulme Trust - funded project entitled “White Matter Computation: Utilising axonal delays to sculpt network attractors”. The central aim of the project is to determine how dynamic patterns of neural activity evolve in a complex network of time-delayed neural interactions and how modifications to these delays, based on novel models for the plasticity of the brain's white matter, can subserve computations. The researcher is expected to focus on computational aspects of the project, in particular the creation of numerical bifurcation tools for the investigation of strongly coupled networks with multiple state-dependent delays.

We believe that talented and inclusive teams deliver the highest quality research and are seeking applications from high quality candidates who enhance the diversity of our existing team. The School is committed to creating opportunities for people traditionally under-represented in Mathematical Sciences and strives to maintain an environment where people can be their authentic selves.

You will be able to carry out duties to the highest standard and to evidence how through your experience you will:

• Undertake original research of international excellence.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own and/or collaborative research area.
• Prepare papers for publication in leading journals and/or contribute to the dissemination at national/international conferences, workshops and meetings resulting in successful research outputs.
• Identify opportunities and assist in writing bids for research grant applications. Prepare proposals and applications to both external and/or internal bodies for funding, contractual or accreditation purposes.

We are looking for a confident, organised researcher who can evidence:

• A PhD, or equivalent in mathematics or a relevant branch of mathematics, engineering, physics or a closely related discipline.
• OR near to completion of a PhD (Note: thesis must have been submitted prior to start of post)
• Expert knowledge of at least one of the following areas:
• Network dynamical systems,
• Numerical bifurcation analysis
• Delay differential equations
• An ability to produce research of high quality in Applied Dynamical Systems or closely related discipline.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
• Networking, actively engaging with and valuing other areas and diverse groups.

This full-time post is available from 01/05/2025 [or as soon as possible thereafter] and will be offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of 36 months.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

If it sounds like you would be a good fit, we look forward to hearing from you.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Rachel Nicks at rachel.nicks@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Our University is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. We welcome applications from the UK, Europe and from across the globe. For more information on the support we offer our international colleagues, see our Moving to Nottingham pages.

Applicants for this post will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as defined by the requirements set out by UK Visas & Immigration. Please visit: UK Visas & Immigration for more information.

For successful international applicants, we provide financial support for your visa and the immigration health surcharge, plus an interest-free loan to help cover the cost of immigration-related expenses for any dependents accompanying you to the UK. For more information please see our Financial support for visas and the immigration health surcharge webpages.