Assistant Professor in Topology
Vacancy Reference    MATH20-6

The Department of Mathematical Sciences at Durham University is investing in excellence and seeks to appoint a talented individual to the role of Assistant Professor in Topology, joining the existing Pure group of 19 permanent staff. The candidate should have a proven track record of research within the broad field of topology or related areas, including but not limited to algebraic topology, geometric group theory, geometric topology, homotopy theory, symplectic topology or topological dynamics.  

This post offers an exciting opportunity to make a major contribution to the ongoing development of the Pure Mathematics research group. The post will allow you to participate in internationally excellent research and teaching, while allowing you unrivalled opportunities to build your career in an exciting and progressive institution.

The Department is one of the UK’s best mathematics departments, with an outstanding reputation in research, teaching, and student employability.  

Ranked 7th in terms of grade point average intensity in the Research Excellence Framework 2014, it has an active programme of internationally recognised research in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics (including Applied and Computational Mathematics as well as Mathematical and Theoretical Particle Physics), and Statistics and Probability.  The research culture is vibrant, with many visitors, seminars, international conferences and workshops.  We aim to provide a supportive and friendly environment with a strong sense of community.  The Department, which currently has 73 permanent members of staff, has recently grown, and will continue to grow, significantly.  In 2020, we will move to a newly constructed building, to be shared with Computer Science, with the goal of fostering constrictive interdisciplinary exchanges.

The Department has a proud tradition of delivering excellence in its undergraduate programmes through research-led and small group teaching. Attracting some of the best students in the country (5th best average UCAS entry tariff), the Department was ranked 4th in the Complete University Guide 2020. As part of the expansion of the Department, a new MSc in Scientific Computing and Data Analysis will commence this year, while 2020 will see the launch of a new degree in Mathematics and Statistics. Both degrees will allow research-led teaching in areas at the forefront of modern statistical practice. 

The Department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award and is currently being considered for Silver.  Athena SWAN is a national initiative that recognises the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression and success for all in academia. The Department also supports the London Mathematical Society Good Practice Scheme, whose aim is to support mathematics departments to embed equal opportunities for women within their working practices.

For more information, please visit our website at https://www.dur.ac.uk/mathematical.sciences/.