location: Andrew Wells Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG

Contract type: Fixed term (36 months)

We are currently calling for applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with Professors John Keating and Louis-Pierre Arguin at the Institute of Mathematics at the University of Oxford. This is a fixed-term position of 3 years, funded by a research grant from the UK EPSRC. The start date for this position is flexible with the earliest start date being 1 June 2026. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who are able to start between 1 June 2026 and 1 September 2026.

The successful candidate will be part of a research group responsible for conducting research exploring the links between probability and number theory, as part of an EPSRC scholarship.”Extrema of complex systems: random matrices and L-functions“Candidates with broad interests in random matrix theory, analytic number theory, probability or statistical physics are strongly encouraged to apply. They will be expected to undertake research that falls within the remit of this wide-ranging project and will have the opportunity to do so in a number of ways including independently and in collaboration with other members of the group and other research groups at Oxford and/or with other mathematicians internationally.

They will contribute to the activities of the broader Random Matrix Theory research group and write up the results of their work, either alone or with co-authors, for publication in peer-reviewed journals and proceedings.

You will have or be about to complete a PhD in Mathematics or a related discipline, and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in either random matrix theory or analytic number theory or the potential to work within established research programmes. Excellent communication skills are essential, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and findings, and represent the research group at meetings.

We proudly hold the departmental Athena SWAN Silver Award and the Corporate Racial Equity Charter Bronze Award, which guide our progress towards advancing racial and gender equality. As part of our strategic aim to improve equality and diversity among staff, we particularly welcome applications from women and BME candidates, who are currently under-represented in positions of this type within the department.

We welcome informal inquiries to the Recruitment Coordinator (email: recruitment@maths.ox.ac.uk), quoted from the vacancy reference 182497.

Applicants will be selected for interview based on their ability to meet the selection criteria as fully described in the job description. You will be asked to upload a statement explaining how you meet the selection criteria, a CV including a full list of publications, a statement of research interests, and contact details for three referees as part of your online application. (Note: Applicants are responsible for contacting two of their referees and ensuring that their letters are sent to references@maths.ox.ac.uk By the closing date).

Applications for this vacancy must be submitted online through the above ‘Advance’ button.

Orders are only taken before 12:00pm UK time Monday, December 1, 2025 can be considered.

Interviews are expected to take place the following week 08 December 2025.