Research Associate in Theoretical Physics x2

About us

The Theoretical physics Group in the Mathematics Department is an internationally leading group in the topics of gravity, CFT, strings, branes, integrability and more. It has the permanent members D. Anninos, N. Drukker, D. Galante, N. Gromov, C. Herzog, P.-S. Hsin, E. Kontou, P. Kravchuk, N. Lambert, S. Murthy, G. Papadopoulos, A.-M. Raclariu, A. Stergiou, A. Taormina and G. Watts. We provide a vibrant research environment in the heart of London with 3-4 weekly research events and close connections with other London based research groups.

About the role

Applications are invited for two STFC funded Research Associate posts in Theoretical Physics in the Department of Mathematics at King’s College London.

The topic of research can overlap with that of any of the permanent members of the group:

Candidates should have the potential to carry out research which has high levels of originality, innovation and depth that may lead to significant impact on the field of theoretical physics, including aspects of quantum field theory and gravity.

Two posts are available as of 1st October 2027, each offered on a full-time, fixed-term contract for two years in the first instance, with the possibility of extension to a third year subject to funding availability. Should additional funding become available, there may also be an opportunity to appoint a third candidate.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers , applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD in Theoretical Physics or relevant subject area (either awarded or near completion).

2. Research experience in some area of Theoretical Physics.

3. To have shown high levels of originality in their published papers on Theoretical Physics and in their personal statements

4. To possess an underlying vision which motivates their research

5. A plan on how they will collaborate with group members and contribute to the group.

Desirable criteria

1. Good presentation and communication skills

2. Broad knowledge of Theoretical Physics

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further Information

At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university.

The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension.

We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.

When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly, and we recognise its growing role in professional work. Applicants may use AI tools to support preparation of their application, for example to research the role or structure written responses. However, applications must reflect the applicant’s own work and experience. AI tools should not be used during interviews or assessment activities unless this has been agreed in advance as a reasonable adjustment. Further guidance on the use of AI in recruitment can be found here .

We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day.

We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘ How we Recruit ’ pages.