Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term) Part-time NEW

Research Associate/Research Assistant on Limits of Symmetric Computation

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance. The Department of Computer Science and Technology is an academic department that encompasses computer science along with many aspects of engineering, technology and mathematics. We have a worldwide reputation for academic research with consistent top research ratings. The Department has an open and collaborative culture, supporting revolutionary fundamental computer science research, strong cross-cutting collaborations internally and externally, and ideas which transform computing outside the University.

We now seek a researcher to carry out research in collaboration with Professor Anuj Dawar on the UKRI-funded (ERC advanced grant replacement) project on “Limits of Symmetric Computation”. The project seeks to investigate lower bounds on symmetric computation in the context of algorithmic problems related to constraint satisfaction and graph isomorphism. It brings to bear significant new mathematical (algebraic and topological) methods to the study of symmetric computation.

Other key aspects of the role include writing and collaborating on research papers, presenting the research at national and international events and actively participating in the Logic and Algorithms research group.

Requirements: Candidate holds a PhD in a relevant specialist subject or equivalent experience (or be close to completing a PhD). The role holder must have a specific research background in areas of mathematics or theoretical computer science that are relevant to the project such as descriptive complexity or the theory of constraint satisfaction problems. A demonstrated ability to carry out research as evidenced by significant research publications in mathematics or theoretical computer science.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

In addition to the base salary stated above, the successful candidate for this post will receive an additional 2.5% supplement to their pay.

Questions about the post and the recruitment process may be addressed to the HR Team at hr-admin@cst.cam.ac.uk. Please quote reference NR49295 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.