Jobs in Oxford, United Kingdom

We are currently inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with Professors Jon Keating and Louis-Pierre Arguin at the Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford. This is a 3-year, fixed-term position, funded by a research grant from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The starting date of this position is flexible with an earliest start date of 1 June 2026. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who are able to start between 1 June 2026 and 1 September 2026.

The successful candidate will be part of a research group with responsibility for carrying out research exploring connections between probability and number theory, as part of the EPSRC grant “Extreme Values of Complex Systems: Random matrices and L-functions”. Candidates with broad interests in random matrix theory, analytic number theory, probability or statistical physics are strongly encouraged to apply. They will be expected to conduct research which falls within the remit of this large-scale project and will have the opportunity to do so in several ways including independently, collaboratively with other members of the group and other research groups at Oxford and/or with other mathematicians internationally.

They will contribute to the activities of the wider Random Matrix Theory research group and write up the results of their work, either singly or with co-authors, for publication in refereed journals and proceedings. There will be opportunities to contribute a small amount of teaching to the department, of at most three hours a week during the academic terms.

You will have, or be close to completing, a PhD in mathematics or a related discipline, and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in either random matrix theory, analytic number theory or probability to work within established research programmes. Excellent communication skills are essential, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.

We proudly hold a departmental Athena SWAN Silver Award and an institutional Race Equality Charter Bronze Award, which guide our progress towards advancing racial and gender equality. As part of our strategic aim to improve staff equality and diversity, we would particularly welcome applications from women and BME candidates, who are currently under-represented in positions of this type within the department.

We welcome informal enquiries to the Recruitment Coordinator (email: recruitment@maths.ox.ac.uk ), quoting vacancy reference 182497.

Applicants will be selected for interview purely based on their ability to satisfy the selection criteria as outlined in full in the job description. You will be required to upload a statement setting out how you meet the selection criteria, a curriculum vitae including full list of publications, a statement of research interests, and the contact details of three referees as part of your online application. (NOTE: Applicants are responsible for contacting their referees and making sure that their letters are received by the closing date).

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. To apply for this vacancy and for further information, including a job description and selection criteria, please click on the link below:

Only applications received before 12.00 noon UK time on Monday, 1 December 2025 can be considered.

Interviews are anticipated to take place in the week commencing 8 December 2025.

Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mathematics
Division: Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences
Department: Mathematical Institute
Location: Andrew Wiles Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG
Grade and salary: Grade 7: £41,636 – £47,779 per annum
Contract type: Fixed-term (36 months)