Postdoctoral Research Associate in Theoretical Physics

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Theoretical Physics

Join to apply for the Postdoctoral Research Associate in Theoretical Physics role at Heriot‑Watt University.

Position:
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Theoretical Physics

Salary:
Grade 7 (£37,694 - £47,389)

Contract:

Full‑Time (35 hours per week), Fixed Term for 24 months

Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 banks closed days for all full‑time staff.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in theoretical physics at Heriot‑Watt University in Edinburgh. The position is available from 1st September 2026 for a 2‑year, full‑time contract, with a potential third‑year extension subject to the availability of funding. You will join the research group of Matthew Walters, which studies quantum field theory, conformal bootstrap, holography, and related topics (for examples of past work, see ).

Possible projects include the computation of non‑perturbative scattering amplitudes, the study of thermalisation and chaotic behaviour in quantum field theories, and the derivation of universal constraints on higher‑dimensional theories of quantum gravity from the perspective of conformal field theories. You will also be encouraged to develop and pursue your own research directions.

You will also be part of the Edinburgh Mathematical Physics Group, a joint research collaboration between Heriot‑Watt University and the University of Edinburgh. The EMPG consists of twenty faculty members and multiple postdoctoral researchers and PhD students, pursuing research in many aspects of field theory, string theory, and integrability (for more information, see ).

Applicants should have a PhD in theoretical physics (high energy, condensed matter, mathematical physics, etc.) and a track record of research excellence in quantum field theory, conformal field theory, holography, or related areas. We strongly encourage applicants from under‑represented groups or from institutions with limited resources.

• Take a leading role in the research group, developing new research projects.
• Collaborate with members of the Heriot‑Watt mathematical physics group, and pursue independent collaborations with researchers at other institutions.
• Co‑supervise potential PhD students who will be collaborating on research projects.
• Attend weekly research group meetings, as well as the biweekly Edinburgh Mathematical Physics Group joint seminar.
• Interact with other Postdoctoral Research Associates and PhD students working on related projects.
• Contribute to the organisation of local seminars or workshops as necessary.

• Hold a PhD (or near‑completion) in Physics, Theoretical Physics, or Mathematical Physics.
• Research experience in quantum field theory.
• Experience in delivering research results in an academic context; e.g. a record of peer‑reviewed journal publications and conference presentations.
• Ability to work independently, exercising a high degree of initiative and demonstrating a proactive and flexible approach to research.

• Experience with non‑perturbative methods.
• Experience with conformal field theory and holography.
• Experience with scattering amplitudes.
• Experience with thermalisation and quantum chaos.

Heriot‑Watt University has established a reputation for world‑class teaching and leading‑edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business and industry. Heriot‑Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business and languages.

Heriot‑Watt is also Scotland’s most international university, boasting the largest international student cohort.

Please submit your application via the Heriot‑Watt on‑line recruitment system with:
1) Full CV that includes a list of publications;
2) Brief (no more than 3 pages) research statement detailing both your previous research experience and your future research interests;
3) Contact information for two senior researchers familiar with your research experience.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm UK time on Thursday 8th January 2026. We expected interviews to take place the w/c 19th January 2026.

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.

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part‑time working and job‑share options.