The University sits in a beautiful historic city where it shares ownership of a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Durham Cathedral, the greatest Romanesque building in Western Europe. A collegiate University, Durham recruits outstanding students from across the world and offers an unmatched wider student experience.

Less than 3 hours north of London, and an hour and a half south of Edinburgh, County Durham is a region steeped in history and natural beauty. The Durham Dales, including the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are home to breathtaking scenery and attractions. Durham offers an excellent choice of city, suburban and rural residential locations. The University provides a range of benefits including pension and childcare benefits and the University’s Relocation Manager can assist with potential schooling requirements.

Durham University seeks to promote and maintain an inclusive and supportive environment for work and study that assists all members of our University community to reach their full potential. Diversity brings strength and we welcome applications from across the international, national and regional communities that we work with and serve. The Department The Department of Mathematical Sciences is one of the UK’s best Mathematics departments with an outstanding reputation in teaching, research and employability of our students. Ranked 7th in terms of grade point average intensity in the Research Excellence Framework 2014, it has an active programme of internationally recognized research in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics (including Applied Analysis and PDE, Theoretical Particle Physics and Mathematical Biology) and Statistics and Probability. The research culture is vibrant, with many visitors, seminars, international conferences and workshops. We aim to provide a supportive and friendly environment with a strong sense of community. The Department, which currently has 98 permanent members of staff, is set to grow significantly over the next ten years, in particular in Applied Mathematics.

The Department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award. Athena SWAN is a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression and success for all in academia. The Department also supports the London Mathematical Society Good Practice Scheme, whose aim is to support mathematics departments to embed equal opportunities for women within their working practices.

Durham University is committed to the Concordat to support the career development of researchers. For further information please visit the Research Staff web pages on http://www.dur.ac.uk/hr/researchstaff/ The Role The Department of Mathematical Sciences at Durham University invites applications for a postdoctoral position. The post-holder will conduct research related to a part of the project “Dimers and Interaction” which is funded by the EPSRC.

This project focuses on studying the dimer model and closely related models using a variety of techniques from different areas of mathematics, such as probability, algebraic combinatorics, statistical mechanics and random matrix theory. Candidates with a strong track record in any of these areas are encouraged to apply. Responsibilities: To develop mathematical methods to study the dimer model or closely related models. To carry out first class research and present their work at seminars, both internally and externally, and at international conferences and will publish results in international scientific journals and open access electronic archives. To plan and manage their own research activity and resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of the research project. To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences. To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals under the direction of the Grant-holder. To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Grant-holder. To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions. To work with the Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop Tnew research methods and extend the research portfolio. To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions. To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration. To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. To engage in wider citizenships to support the department and the wider discipline To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses. This post is fixed term for a two year position; funding is available for this fixed period only.

Funding is provided by the EPSRC grant ‘Dimers and Interaction’.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1st September 2022, but earlier start dates, such as 1st January 2022 will be considered.

How to Apply For informal enquiries please contact Sunil Chhita via sunil.chhita@durham.ac.uk. All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence. We prefer to receive applications online via the Durham University Vacancies Site. https://www.dur.ac.uk/jobs/. As part of the application process, you should provide details of 3 (preferably academic/research) referees and the details of your current line manager so that we may seek an employment reference. Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in the University . What to Submit All applicants are asked to submit: A CV and covering letter which details your experience, strengths and potential in the requirements set out above; A research statement of 3 to 5 pages in length. Next Steps The assessment for the post will include an (online) interview in December or January. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview and assessment, date to be confirmed.

Person Specification - External The Requirements Essential: Qualifications A PhD (or be close to submission) in mathematics or a related subject.

Experience Experience in conducting high quality academic research. Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals. Demonstrable ability to present research papers at international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community. Experience in mathematical research connected to the dimer model, including probability, algebraic combinatorics, statistical mechanics or random matrix theory.

Skills Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings. Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Desirable:

Experience Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career. A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career. Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics. Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practicals. Experience in working on the dimer model or a closely related model. Skills Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research