Postdoctoral Research Associate in Theory of Soft and Active Matter (

Job Number:

25000699)

Department of Physics

Grade 7: - £38,249 - £45,413 per annum

Fixed Term - Full Time

Contract Duration: 24 month

Contracted Hours per Week: 35

Working Arrangements: This role is full time but we will consider requests for flexible working arrangements including potential job shares

Closing Date

: 07-Jul-2025, 12:59:00 AM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.

The Department

The Department of Physics at Durham University is one of the leading UK Physics departments, with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students.

Soft matter theory in an important theme within the soft matter and condensed matter physics programmes at Durham. Our current interests include flow of soft materials, non-equilibrium dynamics, dynamics of soft glasses, statistical physics of yielding, shear thickening of dense suspensions, phase behaviour, self-assembly, fluid dynamics, wetting, interfacial phenomena, membrane physics and biomolecular physics. Durham has made soft matter a key strategic area for growth in recent years: both within Physics, and more widely across the University, with additional appointments in Mathematics, Engineering and Chemistry. Durham's strong commitment to this area of research is also demonstrated through its support for the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Soft Matter for Formulation and Industrial Innovation, www.dur.ac.uk/soft.matter/soficdt/about/, the Durham Centre for Soft Matter https://www.dur.ac.uk/soft.matter/, and the Biophysical Sciences Institute https://www.dur.ac.uk/bsi/, which act as cross-campus focal points for activity in this area. These also embed strategic links to numerous companies with interests in soft matter. This environment will provide a vibrant backdrop to postdoctoral research on this ERC project.

The Department is committed to advancing equality and we aim to ensure that our culture is inclusive, and that our systems support flexible and family-friendly working, as recognized by our Juno Champion and Athena SWAN Silver awards. We recognise and value the benefits of diversity throughout our staff and students.

The Role

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate in the theory of soft and active matter, to work with Prof. Suzanne Fielding in the Department of Physics at Durham University on a project funded by the ERC Advanced Grant ‘RheoYield’.

The position is to commence in September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Its overall aims will be to understand the deformation and flow behaviour of so-called yield stress fluids, which keep their shape like solids at low loads, yet flow like a liquid at larger loads. One possible focus could be on the dynamical process whereby a material in

an initially solid-like state firsts yields and starts to flow, and in particular on the statistical physics of how initially sparse plastic events in an otherwise elastic background then spatio-temporally cooperate to result in an emergent macroscopic flow. Besides the immediate applications of the work to soft matter physics, and potentially also to the fracture mechanics of hard materials, yielding also governs geological processes such as landslides, avalanches and lava flows. It also determines the reshaping of active biological tissue under the internal stresses caused by cell division, including during embryo development or tumour growth. Depending on the interests of the candidate, the project could develop a more specific focus on any of these particular areas of research. The work will draw on concepts of fluid dynamics, rheology, solid mechanics, statistical physics, nonlinear systems and related fields.

Further details about Prof. Fielding's research group can be found at http://community.dur.ac.uk/suzanne.fielding/, about the department at https://www.dur.ac.uk/physics/, and about the Durham Centre for Soft Matter at https://www.dur.ac.uk/soft.matter/

Informal enquiries are welcome and should please be directed to suzanne.fielding@durham.ac.uk

Responsibilities

• To undertake research related to the soft matter physics, statistical physics and rheology of yield stress materials and/or their active counterparts.
• To perform direct numerical simulations of the continuum partial differential equations of fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, soft matter or active matter.
• To develop and improve theoretical models of fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, soft matter or active matter.
• To carry out analytical calculations in the context of theoretical models of fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, soft matter or active matter.
• To become familiar with simulation algorithms as needed, assist in the development of new ones, test and document any newly developed code, and make effective use of computational resources.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator and with other colleagues in the research project, to assist with the research objectives, and identify areas for research.
• To address any unforeseen scientific and numerical challenges.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To attend and actively participate in regular meetings about the project.
• To provide regular reports on the progress of the project.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or other groups of people through presentations and discussions.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.

This post is fixed term for 24 months.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Successful applicants will ideally be in post by September 2025.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year.
• We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community
• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
• If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

The Requirements

Essential:

1. Qualifications

• A good first degree in Physics, Mathematics or a related subject.
• A PhD (or be close to submission) in Physics, Mathematics or a related subject.

2. Experience

• Experience in conducting high quality academic research.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career
• Research skills or potential at an international level.
• Excellent track record of research in active matter or in the direct numerical simulations of the continuum equations governing the mechanics of fluids and soft solids.
• Ability to design theoretical models and carry out appropriate analytical calculations to achieve the proposed objectives.
• Experience in numerical modelling.
• Ability to participate in research meetings to troubleshoot research problems and discuss the direction of research.

3. Skills

• Fluency in at least one scientific computer language (e.g., C, C++), with experience of writing programmes in this language.
• Excellent written communication skills in English and demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals.
• Excellent oral communication skills in English, with demonstrable ability to present research papers at international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
• Ability to participate in research meetings to troubleshoot research problems and discuss the direction of research.
• Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
• Ability to work independently on own initiative and to deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Desirable:

4. Experience

• Specific knowledge of yielding dynamics.

How to Apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.

Submitting your application

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

What to Submit

All applicants are asked to submit:

• a CV and covering letter which details your experience, skills and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the criteria set out above.

We will notify you on the status of your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails.

Contact Information

Department contact for academic-related enquiries

Professor Suzanne Fielding. Email: suzanne.fielding@durham.ac.uk

Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application

If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email. Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing to e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk

Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or +44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time. We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays).

University contact for general queries about the recruitment process

Next Steps

Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will normally include a presentation to staff in the Department followed by an interview.

In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

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