Research associate in number theory

Bath; Bath; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Cycle to work

Job summary

The University of Bath invites applications for a Research Associate in number theory to join the EPSRC-funded project "Unifying Arithmetic Statistics" led by Prof. Daniel Loughran.

The three-year fixed-term postdoc starts around 1 October 2027 and offers the chance to work on developments in arithmetic statistics and related topics. The successful candidate will contribute to research on algebraic stacks, rational points, and distribution of number fields, with opportunities for collaboration

Qualifications

• A track record of excellent research in the relevant subject area.
• A PhD (or close to finishing).
• Good organisational and team working skills.
• Leadership and independence qualities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate within a wider Bath team to organize study groups, conferences and team retreats.
• Mentor PhD students and assist with seminars and study groups.
• Plan and manage own research and administrative duties within the programme.
• Contribute to programme activities and travel for project meetings.

Skills

Excellent research record

Leadership qualities

Independence

Teamwork skills

Education

PhD (or close to finishing)

Job description

Job title Research associate in number theory

Department Mathematical Sciences

Salary Starting from £39,560, rising to £46,970

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate to work with Prof. Daniel Loughran as part of the EPSRC-funded programme grant "Unifying Arithmetic Statistics". The post is available for a fixed term of three years. The planned start date is 1st October 2027 but some flexibility may be possible.

The project spans several topics in arithmetic statistics in a broad sense, and the applicant at Bath should have expertise in one of the following areas:

• The arithmetic of algebraic stacks.
• Rational points on higher-dimensional varieties and local-global principles.
• Arithmetic statistics, including the distribution of number fields, class groups, and rational points.

A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.

About you

• A track record of excellent research in the relevant subject area.
• A PhD (or close to finishing).
• Good organisational and team working skills.
• Leadership and independence qualities.

The successful candidate will become part of a wider team led by Daniel Loughran (Bath, Project Lead), Alex Bartel (Glasgow, Project Co-Lead), Rachel Newton (King’s College London, Project Co-Lead) and Adam Morgan (Cambridge, Project Co-Lead). The post will involve participation in (and contribution to the organisation of) team activities such as study groups, conferences, team retreats, hosting visiting researchers, etc. The postdoctoral research associate will contribute to appropriate strands of the project according to their background and interests. Further details regarding the project can be found on the project webpage: https://sites.google.com/view/unifying-arithmetic-statistics/

You will be expected to collaborate with Prof. Loughran and the wider programme grant members, as well as plan and manage your own research and administration. You will also take an active role within the research group at Bath, including mentoring PhD students, and assisting with the organisation of study groups and seminars.

The position comes with associated travel funds and no teaching responsibilities.

Further information

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more
• Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app

We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:

• Staff support groups and networks
• A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
• A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive

Right to Work in the UK:We do not assess immigration or right to work status until offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.

Anonymous shortlisting:We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details such as your name, may be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.