Postdoctoral Research Associate

at  Durham University

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Job Number: 24002381)
Department of Computer Science
Grade 7: - £37,999 to £40,247
Fixed Term - Full Time
Contract Duration: 24 months
Contracted Hours per Week: 35
Closing Date: 31-Mar-2025, 5:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A good first degree in computer science, mathematics, or a closely related subject.
• A PhD (or be close to submission) in computer science, mathematics, or a closely related subject.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in conducting high quality academic research.
• Strong publication record in well-regarded conferences and/or journals, commensurate with stage of career.
• Demonstrable ability to present research papers at international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
• Experience in algorithm design and analysis.

SKILLS

• Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
• Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.
• Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practicals.
• Experience in distributed & parallel algorithms, or related paradigm.

SKILLS

• Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.

THE ROLE

This position is funded by EPSRC New Investigator Award: “Distributed Lovász Local Lemma”, principal investigator Dr. Peter Davies-Peck. The successful applicant will conduct research into algorithms for the Lovász Local Lemma and related problems in distributed and parallel models. Research will primarily be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Davies-Peck, but successful applicants will also be encouraged to collaborate with other departmental staff and to pursue their own research ideas.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed conferences and/or journals under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.