Current Vacancies at DAMTP

Internal Vacancies

External Vacancies

Internal Vacancies

Senior Research Associates / Stephen Hawking Advanced Fellowships (2 posts)

Salary: £37,382 - 47,314 per annum

The Centre for Theoretical Cosmology (CTC) in DAMTP hopes to be in a position to appoint two Senior Research Associates / Stephen Hawking Advanced Fellows working in the general area of Theoretical Cosmology and Gravitation, for a period of up to five years. The CTC hosts research programmes, workshops and conferences linking fundamental theory, cosmology and black holes - see www.ctc.cam.ac.uk. DAMTP faculty participating in the CTC include John Barrow, Daniel Baumann, Anthony Challinor, Anne Davis, Gary Gibbons, Stephen Hawking, Malcolm Perry, Fernando Quevedo, Harvey Reall, Paul Shellard, Ulrich Sperhake, and Paul Townsend. DAMTP also houses the COSMOS supercomputer. There are strong connections with the High Energy Physics group in DAMTP, and groups in the Cavendish Laboratory, the Institute of Astronomy and the Kavli Institute for Cosmology.

Outstanding candidates are encouraged to apply who have a PhD in Mathematics, Physics or equivalent, and a strong track record of research in the following relevant areas:

  1. Cosmology linking fundamental theory to cosmological observables, such as the CMB and large-scale structure.
  2. Black holes and gravitational theory, including the application of numerical techniques to the study of General Relativity in anti-de Sitter space and in higher dimensions.

Appointments of Stephen Hawking Advanced Fellows may be made at the Senior Research Associate level with salary from £37,382 to £47,314, depending on experience. Excellent travel and computing support will be provided and opportunities exist for supervising PhD students.

Please submit a CHRIS/6 form Parts I and III (available at http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/), CV, publication list, summary of research interests and arrange for three reference letters to be sent to: Professor E.P.S. Shellard c/o Mr James Parke, DAMTP, University of Cambridge Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA United Kingdom, e-mail: ctc@damtp.cam.ac.uk, so as to reach them by the closing date (07/07/2013). Specific enquries can also be directed to Dr Daniel Baumann (db275@cam.ac.uk) and Dr Harvey Reall (hsr1000@cam.ac.uk).

Limit of tenure: 5 years

Closing date for applications: 7 July 2013

Please quote reference LE01307

Research Assistants / Research Associates in the Mathematical Underpinnings of Stratified Turbulence

Salary: £24,049-£27,047 per annum (Research Assistant grade) or £27,854-£36,298 per annum (Research Associate grade)

Three positions are available to work on an exciting new endeavour, the 'Mathematical Underpinnings of Stratified Turbulence' funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). This project, a high-profile £2.3M Programme Grant joint between the School of Mathematics at Bristol (led by Prof. Rich Kerswell) and the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) at Cambridge (led by Prof. Paul Linden with Drs. Colm-cille Caulfield, Stuart Dalziel and John Taylor), aims to integrate quantitatively experiments, computation and theory to provide a new mathematical description of stratified turbulence. Two of the positions, one experimental and one computational/theoretical, will be based at DAMTP in Cambridge, and the third computational/theoretical position will be based at Bristol, but the integrated programme will require each team member to spend brief periods at the partner institution. A brief description of each position is given below.

The PDRA appointed to the experimental position in DAMTP will be responsible for commissioning, undertaking and analyzing high-quality experiments in a variety of novel configurations. Experimental methodologies and cutting-edge diagnostics will be extended to provide an accurate quantitative interface with the computational and theoretical elements of this project. Experience with a range of quantitative diagnostic techniques in the study of stratified and/or turbulent flows is highly desirable. Informal inquiries should be directed to Dr. Stuart Dalziel (s.dalziel@damtp.cam.ac.uk).

The computational/theoretical PDRAs based at DAMTP and Bristol will tackle the challenge of developing an integrated dynamical systems approach for analysing, modelling and interpreting the experiments. This will entail harnessing and extending modern theoretical tools developed in homogeneous shear flows to the richer dynamics of stratified turbulence. The key underpinning methodology will be cutting-edge direct numerical simulation and so experience in computational fluid dynamics and high performance computing is highly desirable. Familiarity with stratified turbulence and/or dynamical systems is also very desirable but not essential. Informal inquiries can be directed to Dr. John Taylor (jrt51@cam.ac.uk) or Prof. Rich Kerswell (R.R.Kerswell@bris.ac.uk).

Starting salary will be dependent on qualifications and experience. The successful candidate should have or be about to receive a PhD in mathematics, engineering or a closely related area.. The salary range is £24,049 - £27,047 per annum for the Research Assistant grade and £27,854 - £36,298 per annum for the Research Associate grade.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2.5 years in the first instance.

Further details can be found via the following link and http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/pfl4/Research_Projects_1.html.

Applications including a covering letter, CV, and completed CHRIS/6 form Parts I and III only (available at: http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/) with the contact details of two referees, should be sent to Ms Doris Allen, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA (email: pavhsec@damtp.cam.ac.uk) so as to reach her by 15 July 2013.

Limit of tenure: 2.5 years

Closing date for applications: 15 July 2013

Please quote reference LE01270

Post-graduate Research Assistant in Sampling Theory

Salary: £24,049 - £27,047 per annum

The Cambridge Centre for Analysis (CCA) is seeking a research assistant to be a part of the project "From Spectra to Sampling - Functional Analysis meets Applied Harmonic Analysis" funded by the Royal Society and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The project (led by Dr Anders Hansen) focuses on theoretical and applied aspects of sampling theory, compressed sensing and signal processing. The research assistant will mostly be connected to the applied part of the project. In particular, he/she will be a central part in programming and running simulations with numerical algorithms developed within the project. The core focus will be on medical imaging (and in particular Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and seismic tomography. The successful candidate will be based in DAMTP, but is expected to collaborate with other groups within the university (such as the Magnetic Resonance Research Centre (MRRC) at Cambridge) and potential industrial partners.

The successful candidate should have a degree in applied mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering or related fields, as well as a strong background in programming (fluency in MATLAB), mathematical signal processing and preferably some experience in optimisation and probability. Background in compressed sensing is desirable.

Fixed-term: The position is available for 3 years, and the successful candidate is encouraged to start as soon as possible, but no later than 1st of September 2013.

The salary range is: £24,049 - £27,047 per annum.

Applications including a covering letter, CV, and and completed CHRIS/6 form Parts I and III (available from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/) with the contact details for two referees should be sent to: Ms Virginia Mullins, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA (email: pavfsec@damtp.cam.ac.uk) by 20 July 2013.

Limit of tenure: 3 years

Closing date for applications: 20 July 2013

Research Associate / Senior Research Associate in Quantum Computation

Salary: £27,854-£36,298 per annum or £37,382-£47,314 per annum

The Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/) invites applications for a Post-doctoral Research Associate or Senior Research Associate to commence on 1st October 2013 (or another date by agreement). The successful candidate will be associated with the Centre for Quantum Information and Foundations of the University of Cambridge (http://qubit.damtp.cam.ac.uk/). Depending on qualifications and experience the appointment may be on the Senior Research Associate scale.

Applications are especially welcomed from highly motivated researchers with a PhD in mathematics, theoretical physics or theoretical computer science, having expertise in algorithmic or complexity theoretic aspects of quantum computation and information. Relevant areas include (but are not restricted to) the following: - new quantum algorithmic techniques, quantum property testing; - models of quantum computation (such as quantum walks, measurement based computation); - complexity theoretic aspects of quantum many body systems; - quantum computational resources beyond entanglement.

The position is associated with the recently established EC FP7-ICT network QALGO.

For any further queries or scientific details or requirements of the post, please contact Professor Richard Jozsa, email: R.Jozsa@damtp.cam.ac.uk.

Applications should include a full CV, publications list, a summary of research interests (up to one page), and a completed form CHRIS 6 Parts I and III (downloadable from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/hr/forms/chris6/).
Applications quoting reference LE01325 should be emailed or posted (to arrive by 31 July 2013) to: Ms Virginia Mullins, DAMTP, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA, U.K. (Email: pavfsec@damtp.cam.ac.uk). Applicants should also arrange for three professional references to reach Ms Mullins by 31 July 2013.

Please quote reference LE01325 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Limit of tenure: 2.5 years

Closing date for applications: 31 July 2013

Please quote reference LE01325

David Crighton Fellowships

See www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/vacancy/crightonfellowship.html for more information.

Up to four David Crighton Fellowships are available to research students and postdoctoral Fellows in fluid mechanics, acoustics, waves and vibration to undertake a visit for two to three months' study and research either in Cambridge, if they are currently based outside Cambridge, or elsewhere, if they are currently based in Cambridge. The award is to be used to cover actual travel and subsistence expenses; the maximum amount of any one award is currently £3,600.

Closing date for applications: This year's scheme has now closed; information on next year's round will be advertised here as soon as it becomes available.

External Vacancies

Research Council, Royal Society, EU and Other External Research Fellowships

The Research Councils, Royal Society, EU and other organisations have several competitive Fellowship schemes to support talented researchers for periods of two to five years, or sometimes more. DAMTP has hosted many holders of such Fellowships in the past, most of whom have moved on to very successful longer term academic/research careers. Enquiries are welcomed from those considering applying for such Fellowships with DAMTP as host institution. A first step is to make contact with a relevant member of the DAMTP academic staff (see our Research pages for more information) or else to email the Head of Department (Professor P. H. Haynes, email: P.H.Haynes@damtp.cam.ac.uk) giving brief details of research area and intended application.

Initial discussion with a relevant member of DAMTP academic staff should begin as soon as possible and certainly at least one month prior to the closing date (in some cases earlier). Potential applicants should also email the DAMTP Accountant (Mr J. M. Turner, email: j.m.turner@damtp.cam.ac.uk) at an early stage indicating their intention to apply for a Fellowship and liaise with him over financial aspects as preparation of an application proceeds. For any Fellowship Scheme the completed application must be ready for submission at least 10 days prior to the official closing date. Arrangements for specific Schemes may require earlier preliminary discussion and earlier submission of completed applications.

The following Fellowship schemes are advertised annually (closing dates are usually in the August - November period) but you may find relevant information at the links below. Please refer back to this page on a regular basis for updates on funding opportunities.

The Royal Society

University Research Fellowships

See http://royalsociety.org/grants/schemes/university-research/ for more information.

The scheme provides the opportunity to build an independent research career. Those appointed are expected to be strong candidates for permanent posts in universities at the end of their fellowships.

Initially funding is provided for five years. It may then be followed by an extension of three years or, in exceptional circumstances, up to a maximum of 10 years. The University Research Fellowship provides researchers with maximum flexibility and can be held part-time, and allows sabbaticals, secondments or international experience.

Application procedure: Applicants should apply for this grant via the Royal Society electronic submission system e-GAP (details at https://e-gap.royalsociety.org/).

Contact: The Royal Society at http://royalsociety.org/grants/contact-us/ for more information.

Application Closing Date: This year's scheme has now closed; information on next year's round will be advertised here as soon as it becomes available.

Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships

See http://royalsociety.org/grants/schemes/dorothy-hodgkin/ for more information.

This scheme is for excellent scientists in the UK at an early stage of their career who require a flexible working pattern due to personal circumstances such as parenting or caring responsibilities or health issues. Female candidates are particularly invited to apply. About 5 Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships are offered each year.

Closing date: This year's scheme has now closed; information on next year's round will be advertised here as soon as it becomes available.

Royal Society / British Academy: Newton International Fellowship Scheme

See http://www.newtonfellowships.org/ for more information. Detailed notes of the scheme can be found at: http://www.newtonfellowships.org/media/228/nif%202013%20scheme%20notes.pdf.

The Scheme has been established to select the very best early stage post-doctoral researchers from all over the world and enable them to work at UK research institutions for two years. Fellowships include £24,000 per annum to cover subsistence and up to £8,000 to cover research expenses, plus a one-off relocation allowance of up to £2,000. Funding, worth £6,000 per year for ten years after the Fellowship ends, may be available to support follow-on activities to enable Newton Fellows to build long-term links with the UK.

Applicants should have completed a PhD and have held no more than two postdoctoral positions or equivalent experience at a comparable level. Applicants should also be working outside the UK and should not hold UK citizenship at the time of application.

Closing date: 10 April 2013.


EPSRC

In 2011 EPSRC introduced a new unified Fellowship scheme covering all career stages. Previous schemes such a 'postdoctoral', 'career acceleration' and 'leadership' no longer exist as individual schemes. Applications for Fellowships under the new scheme are accepted throughout the year, but applications are accepted only in certain priority subject areas.

See http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/funding/calls/open/Pages/fellowships.aspx for more details.


NERC

Independent Research Fellowships

From 2012 NERC have replaced their 'Postdoctoral Research Fellowships' and Advanced Research Fellowships' with a single 'Independent Research Fellowship' scheme. This scheme offers 5 years of support. Applicants must have no more than 8 years postdoctoral research experience prior to the closing date and must have received a PhD before taking up a Fellowship. For more details see: http://www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/available/fellowships/

The 2012 closing date is 1 November 2012.


STFC (formerly PPARC)

Ernest Rutherford Fellowships

In 2011 STFC have introduced a single Fellowship scheme, the Ernest Rutherford Fellowships. These are broadly equivalent to the old 'Advanced Fellowships'. There is no longer a 'Postdoctoral Fellowship' scheme to follow immediately after a PhD.

The Ernest Rutherford Fellowship scheme will enable early career researchers with clear leadership potential to establish a strong, independent research programme. This will encourage talented researchers in UK universities to remain in the country and at the same time attract outstanding overseas researchers to the UK.

See www.stfc.ac.uk/Funding+and+Grants/509.aspx for further details.

Eligibility: Applicants must have 5 years research experience from the start of their PhD programme, with normally a minimum of 2 years postdoctoral experience by 1 September 2013. Applications must fall within the remit of the STFC core Science Programme (astronomy, solar and planetary science, particle physics, particle astrophysics, cosmology, nuclear physics).

Funding: Each Fellowship will last for five years, with 12 being offered annually. Fellows will receive support for their salary and be able to bid for significant additional funds to support their research.

Application procedure: Only 4 applications will be allowed with DAMTP as host Department and DAMTP therefore needs to operate a selection procedure for potential applicants. Intending applicants who wish their Fellowship to be hosted in DAMTP must have discussed with a member of DAMTP academic staff, who will act as their 'sponsor' if their application is successful.

Applicants, after discussion with their sponsor, should by Wednesday 29 August 2012 send a brief CV, plus 1-page outline summary of their proposed project, including reasons why Cambridge is an appropriate host institution, to hod-sec@damtp.cam.ac.uk under the subject line 'STFC Fellowship outline application'. The sponsor's name should be given in the accompanying email.

Those applicants who have been selected to submit full applications will be notified in early September.

Closing date for applications: The DAMTP deadline for receipt of outline applications is Wednesday 29 August 2012. The STFC deadline for receipt of full applications is Thursday 27 September 2012.

European Union

The EU offers several types of individual fellowships. Two of the most common are:

Intra-European Fellowships for career development (IEF)

Who can apply?

Researchers based in EU Member States or Associated Countries can apply for an IEF. You must have either a doctoral degree or at least 4 years' full-time research experience, after obtaining a degree permitting you to embark on a doctorate. Generally, you must carry out the project on the premises of a host organisation in an EU or Associated Country other than your own. Special consideration is also given to those returning to a research career after a break.

International Incoming Fellowships (IIF)

Who can apply?

Researchers moving from Third Countries to EU Member States or Associated Countried are eligible for an IIF. To apply, you must have either a doctoral degree or at least 4 years' full-time research experience, after obtaining a degree permitting you to embark on a doctorate. But that is the minimum - the more experience you have, the better will be your chances of being accepted for this action.

Your application for an IIF should be made in liaison with the organisation or institution that would be willing to host you in Europe. Host organisations can be universities, research centres or companies.

DAMTP welcomes enquiries from potential applicants under those two schemes. Normally there is one round of applications a year, around August.

See also http://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions/ for further details.


Please note that the deadline for submitting completed applications to DAMTP is at least 10 days prior to the official closing date. Initial discussion with a relevant member of DAMTP academic staff should begin as soon as possible and certainly at least one month prior to the closing date.

Other sources of information

Also, you might find vacancies of interest in:

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