Research Associate

Overview

The Sheffield Geometry and Topology Group is offering a postdoctoral position in symplectic topology for 12 months. You will be expected to undertake research under Cheuk Yu Mak within a Royal Society-funded project to investigate symplectic topology and its interaction with low dimensional topology, mirror symmetry, and geometric representation theory.

The University of Sheffield (UK) has a large research group in geometry and topology. Research interests in the group cover symplectic topology, algebraic geometry, mirror symmetry, and algebraic topology.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Investigate symplectic topology and its interaction with low dimensional topology, mirror symmetry, and geometric representation theory.

• Be creative to develop new theories based on influential work in the literature.

• Plan and prepare several months in advance for publications and conference presentations.

• Write supporting documents to contribute to and support the work of the Research Group, e.g. reports, data summaries, manuscripts and grant applications.

• Carry out administrative roles as required.

• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend research seminars to keep abreast of developments in the field.

• Contribute to the supervision of PhD students and other team members within the group as required.

• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.

• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification 

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

Good honours degree, and a PhD (or equivalent experience), in Mathematics or a related discipline

Essential

Application/interview

Have a track record in at least one of the following research areas: symplectic topology, low dimensional topology, mirror symmetry, and geometric representation theory.

Essential

Application/interview

Evidence of keeping abreast of the research area and contributing to knowledge through attendance and presentation at relevant

scientific conferences.

Essential

Application/interview

The ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities, and prioritise to meet deadlines on a timescale of months with a good attention to detail.

Essential

Application/interview

Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations, communicating to staff at all levels and conducting effective working relationships.

Essential

Application/interview

Experience of working as a member of a team and aligning day to day work and goals with the relevant research vision.

Essential

Application/interview

Ability to analyse and creatively solve problems with an appreciation of longer-term implications.

Essential

Application/interview

Willingness to update and acquire new skills and knowledge in line with advances in the relevant subject area, including technical expertise and experience.

Essential

Application/interview

Excellent record keeping and data management skills, with appropriate IT experience.

Essential

Application/interview

Experience of developing and maintaining a network of contacts throughout own work area.

Essential

Application/interview

Further Information

Grade

6

Salary

£32,080 - £36,636

Work arrangement

Full-time

Duration

1st September 2026 - 31st August 2027

Line manager

Research Fellow

Direct reports

N/A

Our website

https://sheffield.ac.uk/mps

For informal enquiries about this job contact Cheuk Yu Mak, Research Fellow on C.Mak@sheffield.ac.uk 

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in March. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mps-hr@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 38days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.

• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.

• Generous pension scheme.

• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.

• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).

• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.

• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; Professional Services Shared Skills Framework

• A range of generous family-friendly policies

  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies

  • support for those going through the menopause

  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment

  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process