Research Associate in Theoretical Physics

KINGS COLLEGE LONDON; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious UK university in London is inviting applications for two Research Associate positions in Theoretical Physics. These are full-time fixed-term posts expected to last 12 to 36 months, contingent on funding. Candidates should hold a PhD or be nearing completion, with a solid research background in Theoretical Physics. The role offers a competitive salary range of £45,031-£48,607 per annum. Apply via the university's application portal by 25-Nov-2025. Contact Nadav Drukker for inquiries.

Benefits

Professional development days

London Weighting Allowance

Qualifications

• Candidates with a thesis submitted and awaiting award will be considered.
• Ability to collaborate with group members.

Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research in Theoretical Physics.
• Collaborate with permanent group members.
• Contribute to a vibrant research environment.

Skills

PhD in Theoretical Physics or relevant subject area

Research experience in Theoretical Physics

High levels of originality in published papers

Good presentation and communication skills

Broad knowledge of Theoretical Physics

Education

PhD in Theoretical Physics or relevant subject area

Job description

Offer Description

About us

The Theoretical Physics Group in the Mathematics Department is an internationally leading group in the topics of gravity, CFT, strings, branes, integrability and more. It has the permanent members D. Anninos, N. Drukker, D. Galante, N. Gromov, C. Herzog, P.-S. Hsin, E. Kontou, P. Kravchuk, N. Lambert, S. Murthy, G. Papadopoulos, A.-M. Raclariu, A. Stergiou, A. Taormina and G. Watts. We provide a vibrant research environment in the heart of London with 3-4 weekly research events and close connections with other London-based research groups.

About the role

Applications are invited for two STFC funded Research Associate posts in Theoretical Physics in the Department of Mathematics at King’s College London. These are fixed-term posts for 12 months with the expectation that they will be extended for up to 36 months, subject to funding. The topic of research can overlap with that of any of the permanent members of the group.

Candidates should have the potential to carry out research which has high levels of originality, innovation and depth that may create significant impact on the field of theoretical physics, including aspects of quantum field theory and gravity.

The posts are available as of 1 October 2026.

To apply, please register with the King’s College London application portal and complete your application online.

These are full time posts, and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 30/9/2027 (or subject to funding, 30/9/2029).

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

• PhD in Theoretical Physics or relevant subject area (either awarded or near completion).
• Research experience in some area of Theoretical Physics.
• To have shown high levels of originality in their published papers on Theoretical Physics and in their personal statements
• To possess an underlying vision which motivates their research
• A plan on how they will collaborate with group members and contribute to the group.
• Good presentation and communication skills
• Broad knowledge of Theoretical Physics

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

*Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King’s.

As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.

Interviews are due to be held on 13/1/2026

Grade and Salary: £45,031- £48,607 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance

Job ID: 129345

Close Date: 25-Nov-2025

Contact Person: Nadav Drukker

Contact Details: [e-mail]