Lecturer or Reader in Theoretical Plasma Physics

The Opportunity:

The Centre for Plasma Theory established in 2025 is a collaborative research institution that brings together researchers from the Schools of Mathematics and Physics & Astronomy with interests in theoretical aspects of plasma physics including both kinetic and fluid theory and aim to be a vibrant successful and interactive research centre that generates and exploits new ideas and discoveries in the field of theoretical plasmas. We aim to be a national centre for plasma theory with applications in both fusion and astrophysical plasmas embedded in a wider UK network.

With this new appointment we aim to bring an outstanding theoretician to the Centre. We seek a highly creative researcher pursuing an original ambitious research programme in theoretical plasmas and an inspiring teacher.

CPT and the School of Physics and Astronomy are committed to promoting diversity in plasma theory and we specially encourage application from women and applicants from other under-represented groups.

This post is open ended and full-time (35 hours per week); however we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

The salary for this post isLecturerUE08 or Reader UE-78469per annum.

The appointment will be at either Lecturer (UE08) or Reader (UE09) level depending on experience.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• PhD and significant further research experience in theoretical plasmas
• Capacity to develop academic leadership
• Significant and growing international recognition
• Good understanding of the wider discipline
• Ability to develop research proposals and win support for them
• Ability and commitment to work with research students and postdoctoral researchers
• Commitment to excellent teaching of undergraduate and post-graduate courses
• Excellent communication presentation and organisational skills

Click to view a copy of the full job description(opens new browser tab)

Lecturer UE08

Reader UE09

Application Information

Please ensure you include the following documents in your application:

- CV

- Cover letter stating which role you are applying for

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary
• An exciting positive creative challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits such as a generous holiday entitlement competitive pension schemes staff discounts and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on ourstaff benefits page(opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits

Championing equality diversity and inclusion

The School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating discrimination.

The School strives to create a more diverse equitable and inclusive workplace for all and we are looking to actively diversify our staff. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and in particular encourage applications from people of colour women people with disabilities LGBTQ people and other minority and under-represented groups. We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working as evidenced by our Juno Champion and Athena SWAN Silver awards.

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on ourright to work webpages(opens new browser tab)

The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this successful an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Offices English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 12th December.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

Interviews will be held in February 2026.