Research Associate in Analytical and Computational Spectral Theory School of Mathematics We are looking for a Research Associate to join the Mathematical Analysis Group in the School of Mathematics. In this role, you will: conduct research on spectral theory and solvability complexity for Maxwell equations and related systems; publish scientific articles and present your work at national and international workshops; develop objectives and proposals for further research funding, including for your own career development and for workshops associated with the project. This position is funded by the Leverhulme Trust research project grant Maxwell and Drude-Lorentz, spectra and resonances: how hard can they be? You will work with the project leader in Cardiff, Prof Marco Marletta, as well as with collaborators Prof Jonathan Ben-Artzi (Roma Tor Vergata), Dr Sabine Boegli (Durham), Dr Francesco Ferraresso (Verona) and Prof Christiane Tretter (Bern), applying ideas from spectral theory, mathematical analysis and theoretical computational mathematics to obtain fundamental results on the intrinsic difficulty of the problems under investigation, by proposing new approaches to their solution. The project includes funds to allow you to attend national and international workshops. You will also assist the project leader in making bids for further funding for the project, e.g. to organize workshops and invite visitors. You will be mentored to become an independent researcher, establish an international network of research contacts and apply for Fellowships to support the next step of your career. We’d like to hear from you if you: hold a postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in mathematics; have an established expertise in spectral theory, spectral approximation and PDEs; have a proven ability to publish in international journals. We can offer you the chance to work in a vibrant organisation, with great benefits and opportunities for progression. We are a proud Living Wage supporter. Please contact Prof Marco Marletta ( MarlettaM@cardiff.ac.uk ) for an informal, confidential discussion about the role. For information about working at Cardiff University, please contact Cath Noble, HR Officer, maths-hr@cardiff.ac.uk. This post is fixed-term for a period of 36 months, full time, and is available from 1st of September 2026. Appointment is subject to the approval of the Leverhulme Trust. Salary: £41,064 - £46,049 per annum (Grade 6) Date advert posted: Tuesday, 17 February 2026 Closing date: Tuesday, 17 March 2026 Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements. Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English. Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University Main Function To conduct research within spectral theory and solvability complexity for Maxwell equations and related systems, as part of the Leverhulme Trust funded project Maxwell and Drude-Lorentz, spectra and resonances: how hard can they be?’ To contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. Main Duties and Responsibilities Research To conduct research within spectral theory and solvability complexity for Maxwell equations and related systems, and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students. To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field To participate in School research activities. To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects Other To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile. To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance. To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role. The School of Mathematics The School of Mathematics is a research-led School in Cardiff University, one of the UK’s leading universities, with a reputation for internationally excellent research and high quality teaching. In the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), 96% of research submitted by the School was rated as `internationally excellent’ or `world leading’. The School has five main research groups: Applied and Computational Mathematics; GAPT: Geometry, Algebra, Mathematical Physics and Topology; Mathematical Analysis; Operational Research; and Statistics. The School engages with industry, young people and the wider community to make our innovative research accessible to a wider audience. The School has a long-standing culture of applied research and direct engagement with a wide range of industrial, government and commercial organisations such as the NHS, Hewlett Packard and the Office for National Statistics. For further information visit: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/mathematics Essential Criteria Qualifications and Education 1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience. Knowledge, Skills and Experience 2. An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields: - spectral theory - spectral approximation - partial differential operators 3. Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field. 4. Proven ability to publish in international journals, national conferences or other research outputs. 5. Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies. Communication and Team Working 6. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication. 7. Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals. Other 8. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work. 9. Proven ability to work without close supervision. Desirable Criteria Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.