Research Fellow (111647-0526)

Informal Queries

• For informal queries, please contact Dr Michael Faulkner (Assistant Professor) at Michael.Faulkner@warwick.ac.uk

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.

This is a full time (36.5 hours), fixed-term contract ending no later than 31st March 2029. Contract length is 2.5 years with possibility of extension dependent on agreed salary due to restricted budget.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a Warwick-based research group leading the development of advanced Monte Carlo simulation for the physical sciences.  The group is based in the Statistical Foundations and Stochastic Processes Lab of the Predictive Modelling Research Cluster of the School of Engineering – and has close connections with both the Department of Physics and the Department of Statistics.

We are seeking to appoint an ambitious Research Fellow for a 2.5 year EPSRC-funded research project entitled Rare-event simulation with rejection-free Monte Carlo and led by Dr Michael Faulkner.

The project is motivated by the fact that many important phenomena in the natural sciences are governed by rare transitions between stable states.  We must simulate these transitions to develop a comprehensive picture of such phenomena, but this is typically a real challenge using existing simulation techniques.  This project will leverage the power of rejection-free Monte Carlo to develop new methods to address the problem — looking towards the longer-term applications of peptide folding, glassy relaxations and solid crystallisation – and ultimately helping to bridge the gap between theoretical insight and practical application.  We also aim to develop AI frameworks to characterise the power of these techniques.

This is an excellent fit for candidates with experience in Monte Carlo sampling or the simulation of systems governed by stochastic or deterministic differential equations.  It provides the opportunity to develop valuable expertise in powerful rejection-free Monte Carlo techniques, which have broad impact across the physical sciences and computational statistics.

You will undertake both independent and collaborative research, including much interdisciplinary activity at the interface with Bayesian computational statistics.  You will also develop professional-level software with our team of professional research software engineers – leading to a broad skill set with impact across computational science and engineering.

You will be expected to deal with any management/administration problems that may arise from the project and produce and present regular project reports ensuring that the project objectives and deadlines are met.  

We are seeking a highly qualified individual with a minimum 2.1 honours degree in the physical or mathematical sciences and a PhD (or near completion) in the physical sciences (preferably computational statistical physics) or statistics.

The ideal candidate will have proven ability in research and evidence of quality research output in the relevant field.  This includes Monte Carlo sampling and/or the simulation of systems governed by stochastic or deterministic differential equations (in the physical sciences or Bayesian computation).  You will have sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge across the discipline and of its principal research methods and techniques. You will be fluent in at least one scientific programming language such as Python, C++ or Fortran.

You will be able to work collaboratively and effectively with academic and administrative colleagues, both within and outside the University.  You will contribute to the life and community of the School through various duties, such as supporting offer holder days and outreach activities, which may occasionally require weekend work.

Strong communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing is essential. 

Organised, self-motivated and technically adept, you use IT confidently to prepare papers, presentations and technical documentation.  You manage your time well, engage constructively with the wider academic community and bring an inclusive and professional approach to your work.

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).

This post is based in the Statistical Foundations and Stochastic Processes Lab of the Predictive Modelling Research Cluster of the School of Engineering at the University of Warwick.  You will be part of the Faulkner research group which has close connections with both the Department of Physics and the Department of Statistics – through both active collaborations and the group’s membership of the interdisciplinary Warwick Centre for Predictive Modelling.  The Faulkner group leads the development of advanced Monte Carlo techniques for the physical sciences – and collaborates closely with the world-leading Monte Carlo group of Prof. Gareth Roberts in the Department of Statistics.

The University aims to promote work-life balance for all employees and the School of Engineering will consider a range of possible flexible working arrangements in order to recruit the best candidate.

The School of Engineering is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises work undertaken to address gender equality, representation and progression for all staff working in an academic environment. The School currently holds the Athena SWAN Gold award and the University holds an Institutional Silver award. Further information about the work of the School in relation to Athena SWAN can be found at the following link; Athena SWAN - School of Engineering - University of Warwick

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th 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 2026, Complete University Guide 2026

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Sunday 14th June 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click APPLY below and submit your application by the closing deadline. 

You will be asked to include a CV and cover letter. Within these documents, please:

1. Outline your employment and education history (including your most recent employment).

2. Outline the reasons for your interest in this position.

3. Demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role with clear reference to each of the essential and desirable criteria in the Job Description (PDF attached below).

• Interview Date: Two-Three weeks after closing date
• Start Date: 1 October 2026

Applications must be submitted by the closing deadline. Only applications submitted through our Careers Portal will be considered.

You are welcome to include any careers breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave).

Please note that if you do not evidence the essential criteria, the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application. For guidance on how to format a cover letter, see here.

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.