Research Assistant/Associate in Pure Mathematics and its applications to Computing

Salary:

Research Assistant: £32,296 - £33,232 per annum

Reserach Associate: £34,866 - £45,163 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 04 December 2024

The Role

The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics (MSP) at Newcastle University is seeking to recruit a Research Assistant/Associate to work on an interdisciplinary programme in Geometric Group Theory and Computing, funded by the Leverhulme Foundation, and led by Dr Andrew Duncan (MSP) in collaboration with investigators Professor Sarah Rees (MSP) and Professor Maciej Koutny (School of Computing).

The underlying idea is to use geometric, topological and language theoretic tools to understand discrete infinite algebraic structures, and study algorithmic problems modelled on them. 

We will continue to develop tools to describe structures given by presentations, building on advances in the theory of groups acting on cubical complexes, of monoids acting on CW-complexes and on recent work carried out over the last 3 years on the theory of step traces (relational structures built from trace monoids) which capture the key behaviour of concurrent processes. These theoretical results have direct applications to concurrent systems, in particular into the behaviour of generalised Petri nets which the project team will continue to develop.  

You will work closely with the investigators from Pure Mathematics and from the School of Computing, have an important role in bridging the gaps between these disciplines and nurturing synergies, and have  an integral role in the planning, organisation and direction of the project, while also giving guidance and support to the PhD student on the project.

You will be based in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics which has one of the strongest groups in Geometric Group Theory in the UK, and collaborate with the School of Computing, which is an international centre for research in concurrent processes. There will be many visits from experts in these areas from outside Newcastle and the UK, and opportunities to make research visits to other centers of research. 

In addition to project-specific activities, you will be encouraged to pursue your own independent research and training. Furthermore, you may engage in outreach activities, particularly those designed to increase accessibility and inclusion to science. 

We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment. We embrace equality and particularly welcome applications from community members that are under-represented in mathematics and computing. If you have demonstrable experience in showing a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion then please outline this in your application.

The position is offered on a fixed term basis for 18 months from start date. We would be happy to discuss arrangements for flexible and/or blended working. Generous funds are available for travel, training and other support.  Start dates and flexible working are negotiable. 

To apply, please complete the online application and attach a CV and covering letter. In your covering letter, please outline how you are either working towards, meet or exceed all the essential requirements for the role holder as outlined below, and highlight any expertise relevant to the described project.

For all information enquiries, please contact Andrew Duncan via email: andrew.duncan@newcastle.ac.uk

Interviews wil be held virtually week commencing 16th December 2024

Key Accountabilities

• Conduct independent research into the areas outlined in the Leverhulme Foundation project description. 
• Work successfully in an interdisciplinary research team and with wider collaborators to publish world-leading research.
• Present outputs of the research from the research to expert mathematics and computing  audiences and to non-scientific audiences, in written and oral form. 
• Contribute to the positive culture and general strengths of the pure mathematics research group and of the Schools of MSP and Computing; for example, through supervision of the project student, organising/participating in research events as well as in outreach events; and by leading initiatives to promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).
• Any other duties that may be required from time to time, commensurate with the grade of the post.

The Person 
 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential

• Excellent theoretical and technical ability and skills that can be applied to the aims of the project and the specific aspects of the positions listed under ‘The role’. 
• A track record of high quality research outputs related to the goals of the project (e.g., publications,  talks  etc.)
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write research publications, and to effectively communicate results to the scientific community.
• A track record of presenting research at conferences, workshops and other  meetings, commensurate with stage of career. 
   

Desirable

• Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals in collaboration with other academics.
• Experience in creating and/or delivering activities designed to promote science to the general public and/or to make science more accessible and inclusive.

Attributes and Behaviour
Essential

• Ability to work independently using own initiative and to meet deadlines. 
• Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings and working on joint research projects.
• High level analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Ability to set own research goals, be self-motivated and proactive.
• Commitment to the values of equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work.

Desirable

• An interest in the (co-)supervision of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students.
• Demonstrable commitment to promoting a positive and healthy research culture (e.g., by actively supporting/mentoring students, supporting initiatives to improve the work environment etc.) 

Qualifications

• Completed PhD award in a relevant discipline (Essential for Research Associate)
• Honours Degree in a relevant discipline

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 27722