Overview
The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences is seeking to appoint a Research Associate. This post is funded by the EPSRC Grant "Sharifi conjecture for Bianchi 3-manifolds" held by Dr Tobias Berger and is a fixed‑term position for 36 months. The project develops new tools in the deformation theory of residually reducible Galois representations and studies the cohomology of Bianchi 3‑folds using algebraic K‑theory to prove Sharifi's conjecture, a key open problem in the Langlands programme. Working alongside six academic staff in algebraic number theory, the candidate will join a stimulating research environment with opportunities for professional development, including conference participation and research visits.
The successful applicant will have a PhD in a relevant area of pure mathematics (or equivalent experience) and a strong background in algebraic number theory or arithmetic algebraic geometry.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* Contribute to and support the research group, including presenting in local seminars and collaborating on projects.
* Prepare and publish high‑quality research papers in peer‑reviewed journals.
* Prepare papers for conference presentations and disseminate results at national and international conferences.
* Attend international conferences and deliver talks on the research group’s work.
* Engage with current literature, keeping abreast of developments and briefing colleagues.
* Although this is not a teaching role, the candidate may gain teaching experience where opportunities arise.
* Apply ethical decision‑making and embed the University sustainability strategy into work activities.
* Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
* Essential: A good honours degree (or equivalent experience) in a discipline related to the project.
* Essential: A PhD (or equivalent experience) in a discipline related to the project.
* Essential: Expertise in algebraic number theory or arithmetic algebraic geometry, with experience in one of the following areas:
o Cohomology of arithmetic groups
o Algebraic K‑theory
o Deformations of Galois representations
* Desirable: Experience of postdoctoral research.
* Essential: Interpersonal skills for effective working relationships.
* Essential: Experience of report writing, giving presentations and publishing research for peer‑reviewed journals.
* Essential: Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* Essential: Ability to manage multiple simultaneous demands and activities.
* Essential: Proven ability to conduct innovative, cross‑disciplinary research in pure mathematics.
* Essential: Ability to organise resources, plan and progress work activities, and meet deadlines.
* Essential: Demonstrated personal initiative, reliability and attention to detail.
* Desirable: Evidence of innovation in research.
Further Information
* Grade: 7
* Salary: Not specified
* Work arrangement: Full‑time
* Duration: 36 months (from 1st October 2026)
* Line manager: Senior Lecturer
* Direct reports: N/A
* Website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/mps
* Informal enquiries: Tobias Berger, Senior Lecturer (t.t.berger@sheffield.ac.uk)
Benefits
* Minimum of 41 days annual leave (including bank holiday and closure days) with the option to purchase additional days.
* Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid work for some roles.
* Generous pension scheme.
* Wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
* Access to staff networks for social interaction, peer support and personal development (e.g., Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent networks).
* Recognition awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
* Commitment to your development through learning and mentoring schemes.
* Generous family‑friendly policies:
o Paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
o Access to menopause support in the workplace
o Paid time off and support for fertility treatment
o And more
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