Postdoctoral Research Associate in Numerical Analysis

Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Numerical Analysis

Grade and Salary:  Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389

FTE and working pattern:  Full-time (35 hours per week), Fixed for 4 Months 

Rewards and Benefits:  33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff.

About the Role

The PDRA will be working for the EPSRC project “Hypocoercivity-Preserving Discretisations”, under the guidance of Professor Emmanuil Georgoulis.
Relevant skills are a PhD (or near completion of a PhD) in Numerical Analysis, or Scientific Computing, or related field. The position requires good programming skills, especially in the programming of high order finite element methods on polygonal and polyhedral meshes, and a mathematical background in the analysis of finite element methods. Some understanding of kinetic PDE theory and numerical analysis is highly desirable. Any knowledge of CUDA programming is welcome.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct and disseminate original research aligned with the project and in collaboration with the team
• Contribute to outreach and impact engagement activities of the project
• Identify appropriate sources of funding and help prepare research proposals for funding bodies
• Demonstrate initiative in making routine decisions in order to manage and achieve project deliverables and deadlines
• Participate in, and develop, networks and collaborations both internally and externally to the Division/School /University
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant discipline (or close to successful completion)

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Evidence of a developing publication record
• Experience with programming finite element methods on polytopic meshes
• Experience or desire to work with those from other disciplines
• Evidence of self-motivation and the ability to work independently
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent time management skills including the ability to prioritise workload

Desirable Criteria

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Evidence of success in attracting research grants/external funding and delivering on externally funded research projects
• Evidence or knowledge to support international activities
• Evidence of a basic knowledge of the Higher Education context and regulatory framework

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system, ensuring that the following is attached:

(1) Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post

(2) Full CV  

Applications should be submitted by midnight on Wednesday 11th March 2026.

About Heriot Watt University

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

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