Job description

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to work with Netan Dogra on the Royal Society funded project “Diophantine geometry, modular forms and fundamental groups”. This is a one-year position which includes a travel budget. The post is available from the 1st of October 2024. 

The PDRA will be expected to work on extensions of applications of p-adic integration to the Diophantine geometry of modular curves and Shimura varieties. These extensions would be developed by establishing links with the theory of p-adic modular forms, p-adic integration on modular curves, the p-adic Hodge theory of varieties with bad reduction, and explicit/computational methods for p-adic cohomology and isocrystals. In particular, the PDRA would be expected to have expertise in at least one of these areas. 

The number theory group at King’s currently consists of David Burns, Lassina Dembele, Fred Diamond, Netan Dogra, Natalie Evans, Peter Jossen, Payman Kassaei, Asuka Kumon, Steve Lester, Rachel Newton, Owen Patashnick, Beth Romano, Aled Walker and Igor Wigman, as well as several post-doctoral researchers and PhD students. 

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 1 year 

This is a full-time post

Key responsibilities

• Conduct research on p-adic methods in Diophantine geometry  
• Collaborate with others in the research group
• Participate in activities of the research group, including organizing study groups and discussing with other early career researchers
• Present their research at seminars and conferences
• Write up and submit their work for publication

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria  

1.       A PhD in Mathematics (or near completion or equivalent) 

2.       Excellence in research and commensurate with career stage 

3.       Excellence in publications commensurate with career stage 

4.       Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

5.       Ability to carry out independent research and manage associated activities 

6.       Specialist knowledge in one of the areas of the research programme outlined above 

Desirable criteria

1.       Experience of working as part of a group 

2.       Experience organizing seminars/study groups 

* 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

In their online application, applicants are requested to attach a pdf containing a CV and research statement as part of their application, and to include the name and contact details of a referee who can provide a reference letter.