Research Assistant/Associate in Pure Mathematics and its Applications to Computing

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Salary
Research Assistant: £32,296 - £33,232 per annum.
Research Associate: £34,866 - £45,163 per annum.

The Role
The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics (MSP) at Newcastle University is seeking to recruit a Research Assistant/Associate to work on an interdisciplinary programme in Geometric Group Theory and Computing, funded by the Leverhulme Foundation, and led by Dr Andrew Duncan (MSP) in collaboration with investigators Professor Sarah Rees (MSP) and Professor Maciej Koutny (School of Computing).

The underlying idea is to use geometric, topological and language theoretic tools to understand discrete infinite algebraic structures, and study algorithmic problems modelled on them.

We will continue to develop tools to describe structures given by presentations, building on advances in the theory of groups acting on cubical complexes, of monoids acting on CW-complexes and on recent work carried out over the last 3 years on the theory of step traces (relational structures built from trace monoids) which capture the key behaviour of concurrent processes. These theoretical results have direct applications to concurrent systems, in particular into the behaviour of generalised Petri nets which the project team will continue to develop.

You will work closely with the investigators from Pure Mathematics and from the School of Computing, have an important role in bridging the gaps between these disciplines and nurturing synergies, and have an integral role in the planning, organisation and direction of the project, while also giving guidance and support to the PhD student on the project.

You will be based in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics which has one of the strongest groups in Geometric Group Theory in the UK, and collaborate with the School of Computing, which is an international centre for research in concurrent processes. There will be many visits from experts in these areas from outside Newcastle and the UK, and opportunities to make research visits to other centres of research.

In addition to project-specific activities, you will be encouraged to pursue your own independent research and training. Furthermore, you may engage in outreach activities, particularly those designed to increase accessibility and inclusion to science.

We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment. We embrace equality and particularly welcome applications from community members that are under-represented in mathematics and computing. If you have demonstrable experience in showing a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion then please outline this in your application.

The position is offered on a fixed-term basis for 18 months from start date. We would be happy to discuss arrangements for flexible and/or blended working. Generous funds are available for travel, training and other support. Start dates and flexible working are negotiable.

For all information enquiries, please contact Andrew Duncan via email: andrew.duncan@newcastle.ac.uk.

Interviews will be held virtually week commencing 16th December 2024.

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