Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

This new full time post is available from 29 April 2024 on a fixed term basis until 29 April 2027.

Summary of the role

The Faculty wishes to recruit either a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to participate in a new EPSRC funded project to explore the physics of waves in materials where the properties (e.g.  refractive index) vary rapidly in space and time.  The successful applicant will work as part of a combined team of mathematicians, theoretical physicists, and experimental physicists across the Universities of Exeter, Imperial College London, and King’s College London.  They will be working with Professor Simon Horsley as part of the electromagnetic and acoustic materials group in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Exeter. 

The roll involves carrying out analytical and numerical calculations, both exploring the fundamental properties of space-time varying materials for manipulating wave propagation (both in acoustics and electromagnetism), and providing underpinning calculations to support and design experiments.  This EPSRC funded post is available from 29/04/2024 to 29/04/2027.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.  The successful applicant will be able to clearly communicate complex information, orally and in writing, and give presentations at conferences and other events. They will be able to develop research objectives and contribute to the process of securing funds to perform new research directions.

Research Associate: The successful applicant will be an early career researcher either nearing completion or have already completed a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study (Numerical Physics, Theoretical Physics, or Applied Mathematics). You will possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop methodologies and perform research. You will be able to work collaboratively and assist with the supervision of PhD students.

Research Fellow: The successful applicant will already possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience and be an internationally recognised authority in electromagnetic and/or acoustic metamaterials. You will possess specialist knowledge in the discipline and be able to independently perform research and develop new methodologies. You will be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024).  We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today.  More than 99 percent

 of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. 

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Further information

For further information please contact Prof Simon Horsley, [email protected] or telephone (01392) 726610.