Postdoctoral Research Associate

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) position, funded through the Leverhulme Trust research grant “Tackling questions and conjectures around Gromov-hyperbolicity,” led by Dr. Alessandro Sisto. The post will be held at the Department of Mathematics of Heriot Watt University and at the Maxwell Institute, Edinburgh, and will be for a fixed term of up to 36 months (3 years).

The successful applicant is expected to start on July 1st, 2027.

Geometric group theory is a field that studies groups by realizing them as symmetries of spaces with a rich geometry, and finds itself at the interface between algebra, geometry, topology, and combinatorics.

The overall objective of the project is to tackle the main open questions in geometric group theory that relates to hyperbolicity, and in the process to further our understanding of groups with hyperbolic features. Specifically, the projects focus on hierarchically hyperbolic structures, quasi-isometry invariant random processes on groups, and Dehn fillings and related constructions.

The project leader is happy to be contacted for informal discussions about the position – email at

You will conduct and disseminate research in geometric group theory and related fields (write and submit academic articles, give talks at seminars and conferences). You will work on questions related to the proposed project together with the project leader and his collaborators (more detail on the project below) and develop your own research directions.

You will actively engage with the thriving research community in geometric group theory of Heriot Watt University and the Maxwell Institute by attending seminars, organizing research events, as appropriate.

You will be offered the opportunity to further your professional and personal development skills, and the project leader will support the successful applicant in their academic, scientific, and professional growth.

This position has no teaching load but comes with the possibility of taking on some light teaching duties, should the candidate wish to gain teaching experience.

• - Applicants should hold (or be about to obtain) a PhD in mathematics.
• - Evidence of excellent work in geometric group theory.
• - Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• - Ability to work both independently and as part of a group.

• - Evidence of work on hyperbolic features of groups.
• - Evidence of research on topics that complement the existing expertise of the Heriot Watt geometric group theory team.

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.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website  and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers  .

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