Research Fellow (110898-0925)

For informal enquiries, please contact Tim Austin (Regius Professor) at Tim.Austin@warwick.ac.uk. 

The ERC-funded project “HDPER – High-Dimensional Probability in Ergodic Theory and Representation Theory” is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work with Prof. Tim Austin.

The position begins in January 2026.  It is initially for two years, with the possibility of extension for up to two more years.

This pure mathematics project lies at the intersection of Ergodic Theory, High-Dimensional Probability, Random Matrices, and Operator Algebras.  It will develop new lines of research that link these fields, particularly through analogies between notions of entropy in (i) ergodic theory of non-amenable groups and (ii) representation theory of operator algebras.

Past research experience in one of these areas is essential.  The project includes specific research problems lying close to each of these areas, so there is broad scope for your work on this project to align with your previous expertise and interests.  However, you will be expected to develop complimentary expertise in other areas during your time in the position.

You will be working as part of an inclusive and flexible team based in the Warwick Maths Institute, a world-leading mathematics department. You will have opportunities to travel on research visits to collaborating groups and to conferences, both in the UK and abroad. You will also be given time and mentoring support to develop your own research profile and broader skills.

You should have (or be due to submit soon) a PhD on a topic close to at least one of the areas of the project.  Past experience with more than one of those areas is desirable but not essential.

You will have excellent communication and presentation skills, including being comfortable discussing your work with mathematicians outside your own fields of specialization. You will have a record of papers published (or accepted for publication) in research journals. You will have a high capacity for original research and creative thought, as well as the ability to manage your time effectively across multiple strands of research.

This advertisement assumes you will have submitted your thesis before the start of this position.  If submission is close but not complete at your start date, then an offer of employment may be made as Research Assistant on level 5 of the University grade structure. In this case, upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of level 6 of the University grade structure.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).

Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

The Warwick Mathematics Institute is internationally recognised for its research and our best undergraduates are a match for those at any other UK university. We run a wide range of weekly seminar series, and many workshops and conferences, for which our Mathematics Research Centre provides organisational support.

A list of our staff and their research interests can be found at https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/maths/research/researchers

and you can see our undergraduate module pages at

https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/maths/currentstudents/ughandbook

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment, and we would particularly welcome applications from groups that are under-represented in UK mathematics. We are working hard towards improving our gender balance: we currently hold a Bronze Athena Swan award and our energetic Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion committee plays a significant role in shaping departmental policy.

We are an internationally diverse department. For those eligible, the University offers relocation and Immigration Support Scheme packages to assist with costs of relocating and any associated visa applications and HIS (health) surcharge fees.

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK. 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.*

Find out more about us on our website.https://warwick.ac.uk/about/

* QS World University Rankings 2024, Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Monday 10th November 2025 at 23:55 (GMT)

To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV, Cover Letter, a list of publications and a research statement. Please include the list of publications and research statement as further pages on your cover letter document and not as a standalone attachment. 

All applicants should ensure that their 3 referees send their references by email by the deadline to Alison Glendinning (Senior Administrative Assistant, Department of Mathematics, University of Warwick) by email to MathematicsPA@warwick.ac.uk

Your CV should include:

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

Your cover letter should explain:

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.

You are welcome to include details of any career breaks (e.g. parental leave, caring responsibilities, sick leave).

• Interview Date: To be confirmed
• Start Date: January 2026

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.

Find out more about our awards and accreditations.

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.