Tait Chair of Mathematical Physics

Competitive salary on the professorial scale

College of Science & Engineering/School of Physics and Astronomy

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Open-ended: permanent 

Applications are invited for the Tait Chair of Mathematical Physics, one of the most historically significant and prestigious academic positions at the University of Edinburgh. 

The Tait Chair is named after Peter Guthrie Tait, founder of the theory of knots and collaborator of James Clerk Maxwell and William Thomson (Lord Kelvin). Past holders of the Tait Chair include Charles Galton Darwin, Max Born, Nick Kemmer, David Wallace and Richard Kenway. 

The successful candidate will be an outstanding mathematical physicist working in any area of physics which significantly advances our basic understanding of nature. They will have an internationally recognised record of pioneering research as well as the vision, leadership and enthusiasm to build a prominent research presence in Edinburgh. The Tait Chair will provide intellectual leadership to the University’s renowned academic programmes in mathematical physics. They will be expected to teach and to participate in curriculum development more broadly at undergraduate and postgraduate level. They will actively participate in the life and work of the School of Physics and Astronomy and play a collegiate leadership role in the growth and development of the School, College and University. They will proactively contribute to efforts to improve equity, diversity and inclusion both within their own field and more broadly. 

The School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce, and eliminating discrimination. The School strives to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace for all and we are looking to actively diversify our staff. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and in particular encourage applications from people of colour, women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people and other minority and under-represented groups. We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working, as evidenced by our Juno Champion and Athena SWAN Silver awards.

This post is advertised as full-time (35 hours per week), however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working. 

Your skills and attributes for success:

PhD in relevant subject area. Established academic reputation with national and international peer recognition as an eminent researcher in Mathematical Physics. Sustained and extensive track record of producing high-quality research, including publication of recent world-leading papers. Evidence of excellent teaching. Sustained track record in securing significant external funding for major research programmes, enabling income generation opportunities and/or commercialisation activities.

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