Postdoctoral Research Associate in Numerical Analysis

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Numerical Analysis Job Description

Role
:
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Numerical Analysis

Grade and Salary
:
Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389

FTE and working pattern
:
Full-time (35 hours per week), Fixed for 4 Months

Rewards and Benefits
: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff.

The PDRA will be working for the EPSRC project “Hypocoercivity-Preserving Discretisations”, under the guidance of Professor Emmanuil Georgoulis.
Relevant skills are a PhD (or near completion of a PhD) in Numerical Analysis, or Scientific Computing, or related field. The position requires good programming skills, especially in the programming of high order finite element methods on polygonal and polyhedral meshes, and a mathematical background in the analysis of finite element methods. Some understanding of kinetic PDE theory and numerical analysis is highly desirable.

Any knowledge of CUDA programming is welcome.

• Conduct and disseminate original research aligned with the project and in collaboration with the team
• Contribute to outreach and impact engagement activities of the project
• Identify appropriate sources of funding and help prepare research proposals for funding bodies
• Demonstrate initiative in making routine decisions in order to manage and achieve project deliverables and deadlines
• Participate in, and develop, networks and collaborations both internally and externally to the Division/School /University
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post

• PhD in relevant discipline (or close to successful completion)

• Evidence of a developing publication record
• Experience with programming finite element methods on polytopic meshes
• Experience or desire to work with those from other disciplines
• Evidence of self-motivation and the ability to work independently
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent time management skills including the ability to prioritise workload

• Evidence of success in attracting research grants/external funding and delivering on externally funded research projects
• Evidence or knowledge to support international activities
• Evidence of a basic knowledge of the Higher Education context and regulatory framework

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system, ensuring that the following is attached:

(1) Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post

(2) Full CV

Applications should be submitted by midnight on Wednesday 11th March 2026.

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.