Research Fellow x2 (111127-1225)

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor James Sprittles at j.e.sprittles@warwick.ac.uk.

Applications are invited for two Research Fellows to work with Professor James Sprittles and collaborators on the EPSRC Open Fellowship entitled “From Nanofilms to Clouds: A Modelling Approach to Drop Collisions and their Collective Behaviour” at the University of Warwick.

• 1x 2-year fixed-term Research Fellow (start date flexible)
• 1x 3-year fixed-term Research Fellow (start date flexible)

The Project

When two tiny drops approach each other, a nanometre-thin layer of gas or vapour is trapped between them. Whether this film collapses or not decides the outcome: the drops may bounce, merge, or fragment. That single event seems simple, but repeated billions of times it controls some of the most important multiphase flows on Earth, including in clouds, sprays and numerous advanced technologies.

Despite decades of study, predicting these outcomes remains a formidable challenge, which we have only recently began to understand (see our work in this area, here). Conventional simulation tools (CFD) fail at the nanoscale where these gas and vapour films dictate the physics.   This Fellowship will:

• Develop new models that embed nanoscale effects into drop-collision dynamics.
• Create open-source simulation frameworks capable of predicting collision outcomes that can be validated by cutting-edge experiments in the Physics of Fluids (Twente).
• Cascade this understanding upwards, feeding collision maps into weather and spray models, in collaboration with partners including the Met Office, NCAR, and Syngenta.

Opportunity

If you’re excited by mathematical modelling, simulation, and multiphase flows — and want to work at the interface of physics, computation, and real-world applications — then this position is for you! Within this large-scale project, there is flexibility to tailor the research direction towards the interests and background of the candidate.

Flexible Working

• We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.

You should have (or be due to submit soon) a PhD, or have equivalent experience, and have expertise in mathematical and computational modelling, ideally with experience of fluid dynamics.

You can work effectively in a larger research group and have the ability to communicate its results to our partners and the wider research community.

You will have excellent communication and presentation skills, and be comfortable talking about your work with academics from other disciplines and non-specialists. You will have a record of research papers published in journals (or accepted to be published). 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.

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

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.

Relocation

• 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 106th in the world and 8th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

* World University Ranking 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Sunday 25 January 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time) * **

To apply, please click the "Apply" button below and submit an application form by the closing deadline.

You will have to attach two documents: a CV and a cover letter.

• Your CV should include a list of publications.
• Your cover letter should include a short research statement (max. 1 page).

You will also have to provide the contact details of 3 referees.

Applicants should ensure that their 3 referees email their references by the closing deadline to Alison Glendinning (Senior Administrative Assistant - Department of Mathematics) at MathematicsPA@warwick.ac.uk.

• Interview Date: To be confirmed
• Start Date: Flexible

* 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.

** The University of Warwick reserves the right to close the opportunity before the stated deadline should a suitable pool of applicants be found. Candidates should not delay their application to avoid disappointment.

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.