Research Assistant / Associate

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to the EPSRC funded project Integrable models and deformations of vertex algebras via symmetric functions working with the principal investigators Prof. Christian Korff (Glasgow) and Dr. Simon Wood (Cardiff). This 15 months position (for Grade 6) or 13 months position (for Grade 7) within the School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow  is part of a collaborative project between both investigators and their international network of collaborators. The post comes with secured funding for travel (between both institutions as well as to national and international workshops/conferences and to overseas collaborators) as well as computer equipment (laptop).

A strong background in mathematical physics and/or algebra is essential, in particular expertise in one or more of the areas of quantum integrable systems, symmetric functions, conformal field theory, vertex operator algebras and related representation theory is highly desirable. Excellent communication skills and a high proficiency in presenting mathematics are also required. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow. For example, part of the project funds an international summer school and workshop and candidates are expected to actively contribute to the planning and organisation of both.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator:

1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.

2. Contribute to the acquisition, set up, maintenance and integration of experimental apparatus or computational kit, or in setting up theoretical models or analysis strategies.

3. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

4. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/ School/ Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

5. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

6. Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

7. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g Academic and Industrial Partners).

8. Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

9. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure

10. Contribute to outreach and recruitment activities of The University of Glasgow.

11. Carry out modest Teaching activities (e.g demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.

12. Be responsible for safety management related to the organisation and running of Laboratory and/or Experimental techniques, equipment and processes as appropriate.

13. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

14. Engage in personal, professional and career development to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

15. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School and/or PI.

16. To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan – World Changers Together

For appointment at grade 7:

17. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating and publishing research, and mentoring colleagues.

18. Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.

19. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may be reasonably expected to perform.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 10 (Honours Degree). May be working towards post-graduate qualification such as a Masters (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 11) or PhD (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12). Or Equivalent professional qualifications in Mathematics or Theoretical Physics, and experience of personal development in a similar role. 

A2 Knowledge of specialist IT software (eg. Matlab,  symbolic computational software such as Maple or Mathematica).

A3 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area of mathematical physics with a specialism in either quantum integrable systems or conformal field theory and a firm foundation in related algebra (representation theory/symmetric functions)

For appointment at grade 7:

Essential:

A4 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s). These qualifications must be obtained in a relevant discipline, either mathematics or theoretical physics.

Desirable:

B1 An awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in subject specialism or equivalent

Skills

Essential:

C1 Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.

C2 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely in mathematics and the willingness to travel, visit collaborators and enter into joint projects.

C3 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach

C4 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills

C5 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.

C6 Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/working

C7 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

For appointment at grade 7:

C8 Good Team Leadership skills

Experience

Essential:

E1 Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in specialist subject/discipline and of research/teaching methods and techniques to work within the subject area.

E2 Experience of scientific writing

E3 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

E4 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field

For appointment at grade 7:

E5 Normally sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field

E6 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

E7 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities

E8 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

E9 Experience in undertaking independent research

Desirable:

F1 An emerging national or international reputation

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6/7, £32,332 - £36,024 / £39,347 - £44,263 per annum

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 15 months

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.