A talented and creative researcher is sought to take part in a highly interdisciplinary project funded by the European Research Council (ERC). The overall aim of the project is to understand how intercellular signalling in developing embryos allows them to self-organize into complex structures. Our approach is to develop sophisticated mathematical models – informed by state-of-the-art biological knowledge and experimental data – to understand these counterintuitive reaction-diffusion mechanisms. We are particularly interested in discovering genuinely novel classes of reaction-diffusion mechanism, beyond the classic paradigms from applied mathematics and physics (e.g., Turing patterns).
We take several complementary approaches: 1) We are developing new computational tools for the study of reaction-diffusion systems; one promising direction we are currently exploring is to leverage modern machine learning approaches, such as neural PDEs and neural operators, to derive data-driven dynamical models. 2) We are also formulating new analytical/pen-and-paper methods, allowing us to derive properties of reaction-diffusion dynamics without direct simulation. (3) Our computational and theoretical analyses are complemented by studying specific biological systems in close collaboration with experimentalists.
The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research team, led by Dr Tom Hiscock, who uses computational and theoretical approaches to understand fundamental questions in developmental biology (see There are multiple projects available in the group, and considerable flexibility in project direction. Successful candidates will have the opportunity and mentorship available to develop their own ideas and shape the project direction from an early stage.
The candidate will be based at the Institute of Medical Sciences, where they will join a diverse community of researchers working on a range of biological phenomena, and a short distance from strong applied maths and physics departments. They will also join a wider multi-disciplinary collaboration, alongside experimentalists in Cambridge, Basel, and Dundee. The Hiscock group is based at the University of Aberdeen, located in an affordable and vibrant city with access to some of the best outdoors activities that the UK has to offer.
We are seeking a talented individual who is motivated to understand how embryos develop and who shows initiative and creativity in solving difficult research problems. Since the project will involve advanced mathematical and computational techniques, it is essential to have experience in mathematical modelling / dynamical systems theory / numerical methods / coding. An ideal candidate would have a PhD, or postdoctoral experience, in computational/mathematical biology (this includes PhD students who are near completion but have yet to submit). However, talented candidates from a wide range of disciplines are encouraged to apply – including from the physical/mathematical sciences without any prior biology background – provided they can evidence enthusiasm and commitment to learning about developmental biology.
In your application, please upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. Please also include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Salary will be at the appropriate point on the Grade 6 scale, £38,784 - £46,049 per annum, and negotiable with placement according to qualifications and experience.
Prior to employment, the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route under the UKVI immigration rules but is dependent on factors specific to the candidate and if tradeable points can be used under the rules.
Alternatively, the successful candidate for this post may be eligible to apply for a Global Talent Visa on the UKRI Endorsed Funder route.
Information on other visa options is available at
Please do not hesitate to contact Grant Rae, HR Adviser (e-mail: grant.rae@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.
Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Tom Hiscock, e-mail: thomas.hiscock@abdn.ac.uk
To apply online for this position visit
Job Reference Number: IMS325R
The closing date for the receipt of applications is: 26 June 2026