We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Applied Mathematics to work with Professors Ian Griffiths and Dominic Vella (University of Oxford, Mathematical Institute) and Dr Janine Nunes (Princeton University, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering) on an exciting new project involving slender elastic structures interacting with their environments. This is a full-time position, fixed-term until 31st March 2023, and is funded by research grants from the Royal Society and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Elastic structures interacting with a rigid boundary are found in many natural scenarios, from the packing of RNA within virus capsids to the jumping of the click beetle. Similar behaviour is at play in manufacturing technologies including soft robotics, flexible electronics devices like bendable smartphones, and in multifunctional soft materials for bioengineering and healthcare applications, such as materials for tissue engineering. The successful manufacture of such soft devices, however, depends on our understanding of how a slender structure interacts with a rigid boundary.

In this project, the successful candidate will work with colleagues in the research group to study the mathematics of such problems through mathematical modelling techniques. They will write up their results for publication, present papers at conferences and contribute ideas for new research projects, whilst also managing their own academic research and administrative activities.

You will have, or be close to completing, a PhD in mathematics or a related discipline and possess the independence and ability to undertake high-quality research. You will have expertise in both mathematical modelling using partial differential equations, and in continuum mechanics, alongside excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

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 BAME candidates, who are currently under-represented in positions of this type within the department.

Please direct informal enquiries to the Recruitment Coordinator (email: vacancies@maths.ox.ac.uk ), quoting vacancy reference 156527.

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 two 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:

https://my.corehr.com/pls/uoxrecruit/erq_jobspec_details_form.jobspec?p_id=156527

Only applications received before 12.00 noon UK time on Monday 28th March 2022 can be considered.