Research Associate - London

Research Associate

Job Type: Full-Time.

Starting Salary: £49017 - £57472 per annum plus benefits

About the role

Applications are invited for a Research Associate position in the Department of Mathematics at Imperial College London (ICL). The position is funded by a US Air Force Office of Scientific Research grant and can be extended to 36 months. The project involves an interdisciplinary effort bringing together stochastic mathematical modelling and data analysis, geophysical fluid dynamics, and novel modelling of plasma dynamics with the goal of furthering our understanding and parameterization of unresolved dynamics (unresolved subscales, Alfvén waves, etc.) in operational plasma physics models. The project, entitled Stochastic Plasma Physics Dynamics (SPPD) also has a strong computational mathematics flavour both in terms of project definition and the desirable outcomes.

What you would be doing

The successful applicant will be working in collaboration with PI D. Holm and Co-PI R. Hu as well as other postdocs involved with the project, in addition to a larger group of scientists involved in projects led by the PI (involving the mathematics department at Imperial College, and other active collaborations spread over various international institutions). The project aims to deliver new capabilities for assessing variability and uncertainty in theoretical plasma physics models. The stochastic approach accounts for uncertainty of transport on scales that are currently unresolvable in computer simulations yet may have effects in observations and operational plasma physics models.

What we are looking for

The essential requirements for this post are as follows:

• The applicant is required to hold a PhD (or to be in a final stages of their PhD studies) in Nonlinear Science, especially in Plasma Dynamics (PD)
• A broad and strong background in the Derivation, Analysis and Computational Simulation of Mathematical Models in Nonlinear Science, especially in Lie group invariant variational methods for plasma physics
• Sufficient interest and knowledge of Stochastic PDE to competently explain how Kelvin's circulation theorem for fluids relates to smooth invertible transformations, Lie derivatives, stochastic variational principles and computational methods
• Excellent written (English) communication skills and the ability to write clearly and succinctly for publication
• Ability to identify, develop and apply concepts, techniques and methods in new contexts
• Strong computational skills
• Ability to keep accurate records of research results and activity, help with reporting
• Ability to organise their own work independently

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial's sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further information

The position is fixed term for 24 months, extendable to 36 months. The expected start date is 1 October 2025 or soon thereafter.

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range, £43,863 - £47,223 per annum.

In addition to completing the online application, candidates should attach:

• full CV,
• A 2-page research statement describing why the candidate's expertise is relevant to this position and future research plans; and
• The details of three referees.

For any specific queries regarding the post please Prof Darryl Holm, ( [email protected] )