Research Associates: Rare Events in Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics

Postdoctoral positions are available within the Soft Matter Group in DAMTP, funded by a UKRI Grant titled "Nucleation and Extinction in Non-equilibrium Statistical Field Theories".

Progress in large deviation theory has created tools to address nonequilibrium rare events. We will extend these to field-theoretic models of the kind used to describe, for example, phase transitions in active fluids; the invasion of a species into a new environment; noise-induced transition between attractors in a driven fluid; and noise-induced extinction of a population, gene, or behavioural trait.

The appointees will develop analytical and numerical tools to address rare events in various stochastic field theories. They will need strong familiarity with statistical field theory, at least some acquaintance with large deviation theory, or vice versa, and the ability to combine analytical and numerical skills to solve complex problems.

Duties may include developing and conducting research objectives, proposals, and projects. The role holders will be expected to plan and manage their research and administration, with guidance if required. They may be called upon to prepare proposals and applications to external bodies for funding. They must be able to communicate material of a technical nature and build internal and external contacts. They may be asked to assist in the supervision of student projects and the development of student research skills, and provide instruction or plan/deliver seminars relating to the research area. 

Fixed-term: The funds for these posts are available for 24 months in the first instance.

Applications should include a CV, a list of publications, a one-page summary of research achievements, and the names of two academic referees. Applicants should ensure that their referees upload a reference to the University's Web Recruitment System before the closing date of **30 November 2024**.

Informal enquiries about these positions may be made to any of the investigators: Mike Cates at mec22@cam.ac.uk, Rob Jack at rlj22@cam.ac.uk, Ronojoy Adhikari at ra413@cam.ac.uk. However, we are unable to read CVs or other application materials before a formal application is made.

For queries about the application process, please email LE42473@maths.cam.ac.uk

We welcome applications from candidates able to take up their position **on or before 1 October 2025**. A start date as early as **March 2025** may be possible by mutual agreement. 

The project is structured into the following four work packages. WP1: New Numerical Tools; WP2: Nucleation in Active Matter; WP3: Spatial Models; WP4: Barrier Crossing in Fluids. We are recruiting primarily to WP1 and WP2 in this call. Contract extension beyond 24 months is possible for appointees who also have skills relevant to the remaining WPs.

Please quote reference LE43318 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. 

The University of Cambridge values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. The Department would particularly welcome applications from women, since women are, and have historically been, underrepresented on our research staff. 

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK

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