The University of Southampton is a unique place in which to explore what you are capable of: as one of the world’s top universities, we know what it takes to create an exceptional student experience. Our School of Physics & Astronomy is one of the UK’s top physics departments, delivering exceptional academic courses underpinned by a dynamic culture of innovation and research. We take particular pride in the School’s uniquely collaborative team spirit, in which our colleagues support one another in their endeavours.
You will join our wide-ranging programme in theoretical particle physics, gravity and string theory including: the theory of scattering amplitudes from QCD to N=4 SYM; holography including its applications to QCD, beyond the standard model physics, condensed matter systems and black hole physics; and the exact renormalization group in gauge theory and gravity. The formal theory group in Physics includes Prof James Drummond, Prof Nick Evans, Dr Omer Gurdogan and Prof Tim Morris. We seek a candidate who would support and expand beyond this work. We are part of the Southampton Theory, Astronomy and Gravitation research group including the classical General Relativity and String theory group in the Department of Mathematics and the Astronomy group in Physics. The String Theory group led by Prof Kostas Skenderis includes 7 academics working in holography and string theory with whom we share close links. We also work closely with many international colleagues.
The Formal Theory sub-group’s activities are part of the Southampton High-Energy-Physics group (SHEP) with wider research interests in particle phenomenology, b-quark and kaon phenomenology, lattice QCD, building theories beyond the standard model, cosmology and neutrino physics. More information is accessible via our website https://www.hep.phys.soton.ac.uk.
To make the most of this unique opportunity, you will need to have a PhD in Physics or a related field, or have an equivalent and relevant professional qualification. Your research track-record will be impressive, and you will be passionate about working in partnership with the team to share expertise. While some teaching experience would be useful, it is more important that you have great communication skills with the ability to engage students in their learning, be that through group sessions or one-to-one. As long as you can bring a real passion for the field to our department, we will help you develop your presentation skills.
In turn, we are committed to all of our staff achieving a healthy work-life balance, with flexible working hours (including part time) and onsite childcare facilities. We are committed to tackling gender inequality and hold an Athena SWAN silver award, and are determined to address the underrepresentation of women in Physics as recognised by our Project Juno Champion status. With a generous benefits package that includes a contributory pension scheme, competitive holiday allowance, subsidised health and fitness facilities, a cycle-to-work scheme and a range of discounts, this is a place where you are sure to excel.
This position is being offered on a full-time, permanent basis.
When applying please upload the following documents:
1) CV and publication list;
2) A statement outlining your research track record in theoretical particle physics, gravity and string theory and future vision;
3) A statement outlining your experience of teaching or tutoring students, at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level;
Please also provide the contact details for three letters of reference.