Postdoctoral Research Associate in Theoretical Physics

Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Theoretical Physics

Salary:Grade 7 (37694 - 47389)

Contract:Full-Time (35 hours per week) Fixed Term for 24 months

Holiday Entitlement:33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff. Use our total rewards calculator: see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

Detailed Description

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 projects include the computation of nonperturbative scattering amplitudes the study of thermalization 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 though 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 underrepresented groups or from institutions with limited resources.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Take a leading role in the research group developing new research projects

• Collaborate with members of the Heriot-Watt mathematical physics group as well as 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

Education Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience:

Essential

• 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

Desirable

• Experiencewith nonperturbative methods

• Experience with conformal field theory and holography

• Experience with scattering amplitudes

• Experience with thermalization and quantum chaos

About Heriot-Watt

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 Scotlands most international university boasting the largest international student cohort.

How to Apply

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.

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.

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 also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.