Research Assistant/Associate

Salary: 

Research Assistant: £33,951 to £35,608 per annum

Research Associate: £36,636 to £38,784 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: 01 May 2026

The Role

We invite applications for a Research Assistant or Associate in Operator Algebras to work with Dr Chris Bruce in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics at Newcastle University. This position is full time for a duration of 24 months and is supported by an EPSRC New Investigator Award. The position is to start on 1 September 2026 (subject to negotiation).

The successful candidate will be part of the Analysis research group at Newcastle University and will conduct research in operator algebras and related fields as part of the EPSRC New Investigator Award “Operator algebras: from quantum equilibria to zeta functions”. They are expected to provide informal mentorship to PhD students in the group and will be given the opportunity to do some light teaching work.

How to apply. Applications are to be submitted through the online recruitment portal. Please include a CV that includes a list of publications, and a cover letter that addresses the following 5 selection criteria:

• Have, or be close to completing, a PhD in mathematics;
• Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in operator algebras to carry out research in this field;
• Have experience contributing to publications or presentations;
• Possess the ability to contribute ideas for collaborative research projects;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to write for publication and to present at conferences and seminars.

Candidates must also provide the names of two academic references who have agreed to write letters of recommendation.

What happens next. Interviews are expected to be held in May 2026.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.pdf.  These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Find out more about the Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/sage/

Find out more about our Research Institutes: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/maths-physics/research/pure/

Contact for the post is Chris.Bruce@newcastle.ac.uk

Duration of post is 2 years

Key Accountabilities

Research Assistant

• Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes
• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s)
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project
• Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books)
• Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate

Research Associate

• Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
• Contribute to the writing up of the research and its dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

Research Assistant

• Specialised knowledge of operator algebras
• The ability to carry out research in operator algebras
• Experience contributing to publications or presentations

• The ability to contribute ideas for collaborative research projects

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability write for publication and to present at conferences and seminars
• Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results
• Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues
• Excellent IT skills in all major office applications
• The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems

In addition for Research Associate

• Awareness of the research environment
• High level of analytical and problem solving capacity
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity
• Experience of presentations at conferences and/or in high quality publications

Attributes and Behaviour

• Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team
• Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Understanding of and commitment to good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity

Qualifications

• PhD in Mathematics for a Research Associate, or close to completion for appointment at Research Assistant

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 Gold 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: 29231