mathematical modelling jobs

Job Title: Research Associate in Algebraic Geometry

Posting Start Date: 19/12/2025

Job Id: 2007

School/Department: Mathematical & Physical Sciences

Work Arrangement: Full Time (On site)

Contract Type: Fixed-term

Salary per annum (£): 38,784.00 - 43,482.00

Closing Date: 16/01/2026

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

As a Research Associate in The School of Mathematics and Statistics, you will work on a project with Prof. Evgeny Shinder, which covers key themes such as birational maps, singularities, motives, log geometry and derived categories. The post is funded by a UKRI Grant “Motivic invariants and birational geometry of simple normal crossing degenerations”.

You will have a broad knowledge of algebraic geometry, and particular expertise in one of the topics relevant to the project.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Contribute to and support the work of the research group into singularities, Chow groups, rationality problems, log-geometry.

• Give and attend local working seminars and participate in collaborations.

• Prepare high-quality research publications.

• Maintain a systematic record of scientific outcomes.

• Attend international conferences, and give talks on the work of the research group.

• Plan own research schedule and workload within the project schedule to ensure that the overall project milestones and objectives are met.

• Continuously monitor and check research results. The unpredictability of research means that daily planning needs to accommodate new developments.

• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks to keep abreast of developments and use this information to brief colleagues and inform the work of the project.

• Carry out administrative roles as required.

• Take on a small amount of undergraduate teaching, for example tutorial work as directed.

• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in January. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mps-hr@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.

• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.

• Generous pension scheme.

• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.

• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).

• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.

• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways

• A range of generous family-friendly policies

  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies

  • support for those going through the menopause

  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment

  • and more

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.