Research Assistant - Limits of Symmetric Computation (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3.5 years from September 2025.

Applications are invited for a position of a Research Assistant to work on the UKRI-funded (ERC advanced grant replacement) project on Limits of Symmetric Computation.  The position would suit a candidate seeking to obtain a PhD at the Department. 

The project seeks to investigate lower bounds on symmetric computation in the context of algorithmic problems related to constraint satisfaction and graph homomorphism and isomorphism problems.  It brings to bear significant new mathematical (algebraic and topological) methods to the study of symmetric computation.  The ideal candidate will have a strong background in logic and complexity theory and a desire to apply them to the study of symmetric computation. The successful candidate will work closely with the PI (Prof. Dawar) in a team of other researchers on the project and actively participate in the Logic and Algorithms research group.

Candidates will have completed a Masters-level degree in Mathematics or Computer Science with an orientation towards Theoretical Computer Science.  A strong background in logic and complexity theory is highly desirable and the candidate must evidence the potential to carry out research in theoretical computer science at a high level.

Candidates will need to meet all prerequisites for admission to the PhD programme in Computer Science (please refer to: https://www.cst.cam.ac.uk/admissions/phd). If the candidate registers as a full-time PhD student at the University and studies for the degree, the candidate may apply to pay staff rate tuition fees for the PhD.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button, above.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. Please note that we provide the support of applying for the relevant visa (if required) and we reimburse the cost of the first visa.

Please quote reference NR45765 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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

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