Senior Teaching Associate (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Physics at the University of Cambridge invites applications for a Senior Teaching Associate in Computational Continuum Modelling and High Performance to support the MPhil in Scientific Computing.

The role requires extensive experience with nonlinear PDEs, shock-capturing algorithms, parallel high-performance computing, and expert C++ development; the post offers opportunities for lecturing, module delivery, and programme coordination within a leading research university.

Qualifications

• PhD preferred in mathematics or physics (or cognate field).
• Strong experience in computational continuum modelling and HPC.
• Proven ability to teach or deliver computational sessions.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to creation and delivery of course modules and assessments.
• Supervise, assess and examine modules and student projects.
• Coordinate and deliver non-examined short courses on advanced topics.
• Support academic delivery and administration of the MPhil programme.

Skills

C++

High-performance computing

Parallelisation

Numerical methods

Software development

Education

PhD in mathematics or physics

Tools

MPI

OpenMP

Git

Linux

CUDA

Job description

The Department of Physics invites applications for a Senior Teaching Associate in the field of Computational Continuum Modelling and High Performance to support the teaching and assessment of the MPhil in Scientific Computing https://mphil.csc.cam.ac.uk/

The MPhil is a full-time course which provides education on high performance computing and advanced algorithms for numerical simulation at continuum and atomic-scale levels. The MPhil has a taught and a research element which carry equal examination credit. Students attend lecture modules on theory, algorithms and methods for modelling and numerical simulation, as well as research computing, software development and high-performance computing. This theoretical knowledge, which is complemented by hands-on practical sessions and written assignments (both involving coding), provides a solid foundation for the research project carried out during the second part of the academic year.

The successful candidate will provide support and contribute to the continuum and high performance computing streams and their respective teaching schedule, and are therefore expected to have extensive experience in those areas. In particular, they should be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of, and show practical experience with, the mathematics of systems of nonlinear inhomogeneous partial differential equations, and shock-capturing, Riemann problem based numerical algorithms for their solution. They must also be proficient in C++ and the techniques required for software development best practice. Familiarity with methods for high-performance computing such as parallelisation is essential. For more information on the course modules, please see: https://mphil.csc.cam.ac.uk/course_structure/

They should be an excellent communicator and it is also desirable, but not essential, to have a track record of delivering lectures or computational practical classes. They must be highly organised and motivated and should demonstrate aptitude for programme coordination. It is expected that they will hold, or be imminently completing, a PhD in mathematics or physics (or a cognate discipline). Due to the fast-moving nature of the topics covered in the MPhil, the role holder would be expected to participate in the research activities of the research group associated with the programme (The Laboratory for Scientific Computing), to maintain their knowledge of the current status of research, and techniques used within them.

The successful candidate will be expected to support the MPhil primarily by: contributing to the creation and delivery of course modules, the supervision, assessment and examination of modules, the provision, supervision and assessment of written assignments and research projects across a range of continuum and HPC topics and interviewing applicants. They will also be expected to participate in the administration of tasks associated with the academic delivery of these programmes like overseeing the seminar series and industry led modules, and the coordination and delivery of non-examined short courses on advanced topics or transferable skills.

A new Academic Career pathway scheme for Teaching and Scholarship staff (ACP T&S) has been developed to recognise and reward outstanding contributions and celebrate academic achievement through promotion and/or pay progression. This post falls within this career pathway scheme. Further details of the scheme are available at https://www.acptands.hr.admin.cam.ac.uk/acp-overview

The Departments are active in promoting policies to address historic under-representation of women and minority groups in its workforce. Candidates from under-represented groups, as well as candidates with a track record in addressing barriers to equality and diversity in education, are particularly encouraged to apply.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance, with the possibility to extend subject to funding.

The deadline for applications is 1st November 2026.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to visit Cambridge to give a teaching presentation, for informal discussions and formal interview.

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be sent to Prof. N. Nikiforakis ([e-mail]).

Please quote reference KA50205 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.