Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

Applications are invited for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate position to work with Professor Ginestra Bianconi on the project Gravity from Entropy (GfE), funded by the John Templeton Foundation.

Gravity from Entropy is a statistical mechanics approach that derives gravity from principles of information theory and differential geometry. The aim of the project is to further develop Gravity from Entropy towards a theory of quantum gravity and to derive testable predictions with direct relevance for cosmology.

The research of the successful candidate will focus on investigating the cosmological implications of the GfE field equations, and to explore observable signatures of the theory and its connections with quantum information, and quantum entanglement.

About You

Candidates must have a PhD in physics or mathematics and research experience in one or more of the following:: cosmology, gravity, or quantum field theory. Experience in cosmology and scientific programming would be advantageous.

About the School/Department/Institute/Project

The School of Mathematical Sciences has an exceptionally strong research presence across the spectrum of Mathematical Sciences. It is part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, which comprises five schools and two institutes.

This position is based jointly in the Centre for Complex Systems and the Centre for Geometry, Analysis and Gravitation. Other Centres include the Centre for Probability, Statistics & Data Science, the Centre for Geometry, Analysis and Gravitation, the Centre for Dynamical Systems, Statistical Physics and Complex Systems, and the Centre for Mathematical Education.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we have a range of work-life balance and family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, as well as flexible working arrangements. 

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We have policies to support our staff throughout their careers, including arrangements for those who wish to work flexibly or on a job share basis, and we provide support for those returning from long-term absence. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented (BAME) groups, and from women in all stages of life, including pregnancy and maternity leave.