Post Doctoral Research Associate in Soft Matter; Milton Keynes, ENG, GB, MKAA

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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/W /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.
• Attend appropriate staff development events
• 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

Essential

• 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.
• Programming skills, e.g. Python
• 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.

Desirable

• 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…