Job Description

Grade: UE07 40,497 - 48,149 per annum

CSE, School of Mathematics

Full time: 35 hours/week

Fixed term: 24 months

The Opportunity:

We are looking for a talented and ambitious early career researcher to work on the project "Randomized Numerical Linear Algebra for Optimization and Control of Partial Differential Equations" (Engineering and Physical Sciences, EPSRC grant EP/Z533786/1).


This postdoctoral position will be devoted to research on Randomized Numerical Linear Algebra for Optimization and Control of Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). It is one of two positions funded by EPSRC, and will be mentored by Prof. John Pearson (University of Edinburgh) and Prof. Stefan Guttel (University of Manchester). This post will involve the use of randomization to devise solvers for linear and nonlinear PDEs, applied to problems from optimization and control. This will utilize ideas from randomized sketching, and is likely to include examining problems driven by uncertainty or randomness. The project will involve a combination of theoretical aspects, obtaining guarantees on the convergence of solvers, and practical components, via algorithm development and implementation. As such, you should have some background in numerical linear algebra and, more generally, numerical analysis.




A record of some high-quality mathematical reports and/or publications, as well as coding skills (e.g. in MATLAB, Python, C) are essential. You will closely collaborate with a second postdoctoral researcher based at University of Manchester. The project team also involves two industrial partners, FESTO and Arup, who will provide guidance and pathways to produce highly impactful work through direct industry integration. As such, you are expected to be able to communicate your work effectively to practitioners. You will be part of Edinburgh's world-leading Applied and Computational Mathematics Group, providing a friendly and vibrant research environment. You will also have access to a generous travel allowance which will enable you to present your work at national and international conferences. There is scope for a strong candidate to shape the research direction.

Your skills and attributes for success:

Research experience and some publications in at least one of numerical analysis/scientific computing

and/or

numerical linear algebra

and/or

numerical methods for PDEs

and/or

optimization Enthusiasm to build new randomized linear algebra techniques for PDEs and optimization problems Excellent academic writing and communication skills Strong coding skills in at least one of MATLAB, Python, C

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Application Information:

Applicants should upload a CV and a brief research statement (max two pages) when applying for the post online. In addition, they should provide details of two referees whom we may contact for letters of reference. For informal enquiries about the post please contact John Pearson - j.pearson@ed.ac.uk

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

A competitive salary. An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community. Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our

staff benefits page

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Championing equality, diversity and inclusion:

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.



Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our

right to work webpages

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The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office's English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is

2 June 2025.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.