Post Doctoral Research Associate in Active Soft Matter

The Open University; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university in Milton Keynes is seeking a Post Doctoral Research Associate to work on exciting projects in active soft matter. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant field and experience in publishing research. This role offers flexibility in working arrangements, with opportunities for hybrid work, and is funded for 12 months. Join a supportive team committed to equality and diversity, making a significant impact in the field of applied mathematics and physics.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Supportive working environment

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• PhD in a field relevant to the project, such as statistical mechanics or soft condensed matter.
• Ability to engage in independent and collaborative research.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Carry out research on active soft matter and interfacial phenomena.
• Collaborate with researchers across institutes.
• Publish results in international journals.

Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills

Experience of publishing in journals of international standing

Interest in public engagement evidenced by outreach experience

Education

PhD in Applied Mathematics or Theoretical / Computational Physics

Job description

Post Doctoral Research Associate in Active Soft Matter

Job Location: Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid

Department: School of Mathematics & Statistics

Closing Date: 18 February 2026

Weekly Working Hours: 37

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

Fixed Term Contract: End Date: 12 months from start date

Welsh Language: Not Applicable

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About the Role

Applications are invited for a Research Associate position in the School of Mathematics and Statistics at the Open University to work with Dr. Elsen Tjhung on the EPSRC‑funded project EP/W027194/1.

In this project, the candidate may pursue one of two research directions.

• (i) Growing active matter: combining microscopic modelling and simulations (e.g., Brownian dynamics) with continuum approaches (e.g., statistical field theory) to study the macroscopic behaviour of proliferating active systems such as biological tissues and biofilms. [1]
• (ii) Interfacial phenomena: bridging macroscopic interfacial properties—such as surface tension and emulsion stability—to the underlying microscopic physics of forces and torques. For example, the candidate may investigate how anisotropic particles at fluid–fluid interfaces give rise to large‑scale hydrodynamic phenomena. [2,3]

Candidates must have completed or be close to completing a PhD in a subject relevant to the project, which includes (but is not restricted to) statistical physics, biological physics, soft condensed matter physics and fluid mechanics.

The post is funded for 12 months and is available from 1st October 2026. The successful candidate will be based in the School of Mathematics and Statistics at the Open University campus in Milton Keynes.

The post may involve some homeworking depending on the circumstances. The candidate will join the Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics Group.

The School provides a supportive and flexible working environment, where diversity is celebrated. The School is active in challenging injustice and promoting equitable treatment for those from marginalised or under‑represented groups. It holds an Athena Swan Silver award for its work in gender equality.

Key Responsibilities

Key Duties

• Carry out research project as described above.
• Collaborate with other researchers from other institutes.
• Attend project meetings and relevant research group meetings.
• Play an active part in the research community at the Open University.
• Publish research results in journals of international standing.
• Disseminate research results at seminars and conferences, nationally and internationally.
• Observe the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Other Duties

• Follow the University’s Research Ethics, Health and Safety and Equal Opportunities policies.
• Supervise/co‑supervise undergraduate/master research projects.
• Assist with public engagement activities such as MK Innovate, British Science Week, Maths Week in Scotland, Royal Institution Masterclass, and BBC‑OU partnerships.
• Apply internal/external funding as appropriate, under the guidance of the supervisor/other senior members of staff.

About You

• PhD in Applied Mathematics or Theoretical / Computational Physics (completed or close to completed) in a subject relevant to the project, such as (but not restricted to) statistical mechanics, soft condensed matter, biological physics and/or fluid mechanics.
• Experience of publishing in (or submitting to) journals of international standing.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Willingness to promote research within the School of Mathematics and Statistics.
• Commitment to the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Background knowledge in subjects relevant to the project (in addition to the PhD topic), such as active matter and non‑equilibrium statistical mechanics.
• Evidence of independent and collaborative research.
• Interest in public engagement evidenced by outreach experience.

Support with your application

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email [e-mail] quoting the advert reference number.

What's in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

Work location

This role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes campus where we would require onsite attendance at least once per fortnight.

Next steps in the Recruitment process

If shortlisted, we anticipate interviews taking place via MS Teams between 9th and 11th March 2026.

How to apply

To apply for this role please submit the following document(s):

• CV
• Supporting Statement (Your Supporting Statement should outline how you meet the essential and desirable criteria listed above)

You can view your progress and application communications when you are logged into our recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates.

If you have any queries or questions about the recruitment process, or regarding your application,please contact:[e-mail] .

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The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all under‑represented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.