Postdoctoral Research Fellow

College of Engineering, Mathematics & Physical Sciences

This new full-time post is available from from 03/01/2022 to 28/06/2024 on a fixed term basis.

The post

The College wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow for a duration of 2.5 years to participate in one or more of a selection of projects investigating collective behaviours in dynamical systems models of processes of biomedical and healthcare relevance. These projects will be undertaken working with Prof Peter Ashwin and Dr Kyle Wedgwood as part of the EPSRC Hub for Quantitative Modelling in Healthcare at the University of Exeter. The specific project(s) will be tailored to the expertise and interests of the successful applicant. Example projects include studying pattern formation during embryonic development, generation of collective oscillations in neuronal networks, transitions in the progression of type 2 diabetes or reversibility of anti-microbial resistance. The successful applicant will liaise with collaborators (based at the University of Exeter and elsewhere) to develop and refine mathematical models of these systems and will apply numerical and analytical techniques to study the dynamics produced by these models. The applicant will then work with the other team members within the Hub and collaborators to test model quantitative model predictions and validity. 

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. 

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be an expert mathematical modelling and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Applicants will be able to work effectively with a range of people including clinicians, bioscientists and other mathematical modellers. They will have a knowledge of (or will be able to quickly gain one) analytical frameworks for studying dynamical systems such as bifurcation analysis, numerical integration techniques for efficient simulation of dynamical systems models. 

Exceptional communication skills are critical, as the successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary team and will need to present information on research progress and outcomes, as well as having the ability to communicate both verbally and in writing complex information. Additionally, the successful candidate will have a demonstrable ability to write up scientific findings in a timely and succinct way for publication. 

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification available on our website.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2017.

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. 98% of our research is of international quality (2014 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. Exeter is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City. In 2019, Devon was voted as having the best quality of life of anywhere in England and Wales, making it a popular choice for both work and study.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity at Exeter

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment in which to work. We are an equal opportunity employer, a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. Since 2019, the university has also signed an Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating the University’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce. 

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 multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

To apply

To apply applicants should upload a full CV, a cover letter describing how they satisfy the essential criteria for the role and a recent publication that best showcases their research. This should be submitted as a single PDF attachment.

The closing date for completed applications is 17th October 2021. Interviews are expected to take place during the week beginning on 15th November 2021.

Further information

For further information please contact Prof Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova, e-mail [email protected] or telephone 07747 844 620.