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King's College London

Research Associate in Mathematics

London
£45k – £52.6k/yr
Posted about 9 hours ago
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Department

Mathematics

About us

About King’s College London & the Department of Mathematics

King’s College London is a world-leading Russell Group university situated in the heart of London.

Within the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences (NMES), the Department of Mathematics is a renowned hub for research across pure and applied mathematics, offering a dynamic and supportive environment for early-career researchers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a 36-month Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to work with Professor Igor Wigman on the EPSRC research project Random and Arithmetic Models in Spectral Theory.

This role provides an exciting opportunity to develop innovative probabilistic approaches to fundamental problems at the crossroads of spectral geometry, mathematical physics, and number theory.

About the role

Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA)

Purpose of the Role

Applications are invited for a 36-month Postdoctoral Research Associate position based at King’s College London.

The successful candidate will join a research project aimed at developing innovative probabilistic methods to tackle fundamental problems at the intersection of spectral geometry, mathematical physics, and number theory.

By exploring the geometry and spatial features of random fields, the project seeks to illuminate complex analytic phenomena that remain out of reach under traditional deterministic frameworks.

Reporting Structure

The PDRA will be based in the Department of Mathematics at King’s College London and will report directly to the Principal Investigator, Professor Igor Wigman.

Key Responsibilities & Research Themes

The PDRA will contribute to several interconnected research themes combining theoretical analysis, probability, and computational modelling.

Core duties include:

  • Researching the non-local geometry and topology of Gaussian random fields, and random Laplace eigenfunctions.
  • Analysing some features of random cusp forms.
  • Developing probabilistic framework to explain spectral phenomena.
  • Conducting numerical simulations to test and refine these theories.
  • Disseminating research outcomes through journal publications, conferences, seminars, and colloquia.

This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract for 3 years.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development.

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This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7.

Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

  • Academic Qualifications: A PhD (or near completion) in Mathematics, Mathematical Physics, or a closely related discipline.
  • Core Mathematical Foundation: A strong background in at least one of the intersecting mathematical fields relevant to the project, such as probability theory and random fields; spectral geometry; analytic number theory; mathematical physics.
  • Research Output: Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality research and a track record of publishing in peer-reviewed academic journals.
  • Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
  • High analytic skills.
  • High ability to program with mathematics software to test mathematics theories.

Desirable criteria

  • Collaborative Ability: Proven ability to work effectively within a research team and engage actively with external collaborators across different mathematical disciplines.
  • Experience in more than one of the relevant mathematics disciplines is an advantage.

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered.

In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant.

Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page.

This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university.

The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

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At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension.

We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.

When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance.

Application Process

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description.

If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Recruitment

Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly, and we recognise its growing role in professional work.

Applicants may use AI tools to support preparation of their application, for example to research the role or structure written responses.

However, applications must reflect the applicant’s own work and experience.

AI tools should not be used during interviews or assessment activities unless this has been agreed in advance as a reasonable adjustment.

Further guidance on the use of AI in recruitment can be found here.

We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive.

While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day.

We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.

Grade and Salary

£45,031 - £52,514 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance

Job Details

  • Job ID: 156405
  • Post Date: 25-Aug-2026
  • Close Date: 01-Oct-2026
  • Contact Person: Igor Wigman
  • Contact Details: Contact Information
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Location

London, England, United Kingdom

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