Research Associate in Riemannian Geometry

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Research Associate in Riemannian Geometry
Cardiff School of Mathematics

Applications are invited for a Research Associate in Riemannian Geometry in the School of Mathematics at Cardiff University. The position is full-time and fixed term (for 36 months) starting 1st January 2023 or at another mutually agreeable date.

If you join us, you will support a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship research programme focussed on the phenomenon of volume-collapsed manifolds in Riemannian geometry, which also extends to their role in geometric inference and topological data analysis. The aim of this aspect of the project is to understand the structure of volume collapse in the presence of a lower bound on sectional curvatures. You are likely to work closely with the project leader, Dr John Harvey, using tools from both Riemannian and Alexandrov geometry. However, if you believe you can contribute to this programme of research in other ways, you are very welcome to apply and should clearly articulate your motivation in a cover letter. You may also optionally submit a brief statement of research interests.

You will benefit from substantial support for your career development, as the Fellowship includes funds budgeted for extended research visits, attendance  at conferences, inviting short-term visitors, and developing your independent research interests. The project offers the opportunity to broaden your research interests by contributing to work on the mathematics of data science if you wish.

Cardiff University may be able to assist with your relocation costs, more information about this can be found here: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/jobs/what-we-can-offer/financial-benefits/relocating-to-cardiff

The School of Mathematics is a research-led School, in Cardiff University, one of the UK’s leading universities, with a reputation for internationally excellent research and teaching. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, Cardiff University was ranked 5th in the UK in terms of the grade point average (GPA) of its overall quality profile and 2nd for Impact. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/mathematics

This position is full-time, 35 hours per week and fixed term for 36 months.  The post is available 1st January 2023.

Salary range: £35,333 – £42,155 per annum (Grade 6)

We particularly welcome applications from women as they are under-represented with Cardiff University in this field.

Informal enquiries may be made to Dr John Harvey at harveyj13@cardiff.ac.uk .  For information about working in the School of Mathematics please contact Cath Noble at maths-hr@cardiff.ac.uk .

Date advert posted: Monday, 24 October 2022
Closing date: Monday, 5 December 2022

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

“Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff University

Job Description

Main Functions of Post

To conduct research within Riemannian or Alexandrov geometry and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research

• To conduct research within Riemannian or Alexandrov geometry in order to support the goals of the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship “Volume-collapsed manifolds in Riemannian geometry and geometric inference” and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions,   explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally  to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within any of the following research fields:

Riemannian geometry

Alexandrov geometry

Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field

Proven ability to publish in national journals or  conferences.

Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies

Communication and Team Working

Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other

Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work

Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria

Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.

 

When attaching the supporting statement to your application profile, please ensure that you name it with the vacancy reference number and your name.

Additional Information

This post is supported by the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship MR/W01176X/1 “Volume-collapsed manifolds in Riemannian geometry and geometric inference” which aims, in part, to determine the structure of volume-collapsed manifolds with lower curvature bounds through understanding the structure of submetries and the interplay of symmetry and curvature in Riemannian and Alexandrov geometry. The Research Associate will support these objectives either directly or by carrying out work that contributes to the surrounding research area.

Job Category

Academic – Research