Position Description

UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL

Research Associate in Fluid Mechanics and Statistical Physics

Job number: ACAD108178

Contract Type/Work Pattern: Open-ended / Full-time

Faculty/Division: Faculty of Engineering

Salary: £38,249 - £44,128 per annum

School/Unit: School of Engineering Mathematics & Technology

The role

Applications are invited for a Research Associate in the School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology (SEMT) at the University of Bristol. The project is funded by an EPSRC New Investigator Award “The statistical physics of hydrodynamic random walkers: Experiments and theory”. The successful candidate will conduct a combined experimental and theoretical investigation into the dynamics and emergent statistics of floating bodies in fluctuating fluid environments. We aim to forge hitherto unrealized connections between classical fluid systems and the burgeoning field of active and driven matter and develop data-driven theoretical models for temporally correlated transport processes. The project is well-suited to current PhD students or postdoctoral scholars who are comfortable crossing scientific boundaries and who are keen to build a diverse skill set in physical applied mathematics. Interested candidates are welcome to contact the Project Lead to discuss further particulars and a list of possible research directions.

SEMT is home to a vibrant research community that pursues interdisciplinary science spanning fundamental research to tackling society’s biggest challenges. The post holder will join the Physical Mathematics Laboratory, a team of researchers led by Dr. Stuart Thomson with interests in physical applied mathematics, machine learning, and robotics.

What will you be doing?

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

·       Pursue and develop their own independent research agenda in areas of mutual interest with the Project Lead

·       present at international conferences (e.g. APS March Meeting and Division of Fluid Dynamics Meeting, the British Applied Mathematics Colloquium, Euromech)

·       collaborate with and travel to meet colleagues in the United States and Europe

·       co-supervise research projects at the Masters and PhD level

·       develop and strengthen teaching and mentorship experience

You should apply if

·       Applicants must have, or be about to obtain, a PhD (or equivalent) in applied mathematics, physics, engineering, or a related field.

·       Experience in (or a keen interest to learn) statistical and active matter physics would be beneficial, including modelling with stochastic differential equations and knowledge of thermodynamics.

·       Prior experience with experiments is not required, but all applicants should demonstrate their eagerness to pursue experimental research.

·       Programming and scientific computing experience with Python, MATLAB, or Julia is essential.

·       The ideal candidate will have a demonstrable track record of intellectual curiosity, scientific integrity, excellent interpersonal skills, and future leadership potential.

To apply candidates should submit the following documents:

·       CV (no more than two pages)

·       A short research statement (no more than two pages) summarizing research interests and major achievements

·       Two references

Additional information

For informal queries, please contact: Dr. Stuart Thomson (stuart.thomson@bristol.ac.uk)

To find out more about what it's like to work in the Faculty of Engineering, and how the Faculty supports people to achieve their potential, please see our staff blog:

The post has an anticipated start date of 01/09/2025, although there is some flexibility with the start date.

Closing date: 30 July 2025.

Interview date: w/c 4 August 2025.