Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to the project “Conic Symplectic Singularities” working with Professor Gwyn Bellamy.

One of the cornerstone results of algebra, achieved in the mid 20th-century, is the Cartan-Killing classification of simple finite dimensional complex Lie algebras. This classification forms the core of Lie theory, on which the rest of the theory is built. This project aims to generalize this classification result to all conic symplectic singularities. The notion of a symplectic singularity was introduced by Beauville, extending the notion of symplectic manifold to singular spaces. In geometric representation theory the focus is on conic symplectic singularities. These are symplectic singularities which are also affine cones for which the symplectic form has positive weight. The project aim to classify conic symplectic singularities is made plausible by an extraordinary result of Namikawa, which says that these singularities are countable, up to isomorphism. The RA is expected to work with the PI and CoIs to introduce the concept of Hamiltonian Cox ring and associated Hamiltonian Cox space of a conic symplectic singularity and show that these Hamiltonian Cox spaces are Q-factorial and terminal conic symplectic singularities. This will reduce the classification problem to that of classifying the much smaller class of Q-factorial terminal conic symplectic singularities. Then the team will apply techniques (computations of Hilbert series) and constructions (Coulomb branches of 3d N=4 SUSY gauge theories) from mathematical physics to classify these conic symplectic singularities.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project/disciplinary area as opportunities allow. Applicants are expected to have research experience in one or more of the following areas: (geometric) representation theory, singularities and their resolutions, algebraic geometry.

For informal enquiries, please contact Gwyn Bellamy at gwyn.bellamy@glasgow.ac.uk

The School of Mathematics and Statistics at Glasgow aims to develop a nurturing and friendly environment for our researchers to work in. We use our resources to build excellence in our own research, to develop collaborations and networks with others, and to enable our researchers to continually develop within a positive environment. We do this by promoting equality, diversity and inclusiveness and welcome applications from all sections of the community. The School values diversity and we particularly welcome applications from women and under-represented communities. We support applications from those returning from a career break and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements. All appointments will be made on merit.

Visit https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/ for further information.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.         Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.

2.         Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

3.         Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

4.         Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy to deliver project/area requirements and opportunities.

5.         Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research and/or impact profile.

6.         Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research and impact.

7.         Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/area/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. academic and industrial partners).

8.         Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group/area activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.

9.         Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

10.     Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including budgets/expenditure.

11.     Contribute as appropriate to teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating, etc) and associated administration, as may be assigned through the School in consultation with your line manager.

12.     Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

13.     Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

14.     Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by your line manager and the Head of School.

15.     Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with University strategy.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential: 

A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.

Skills

Essential:

C1 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism

C2 Knowledge of project-specific theories, models, and techniques

C3 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

Experience

Essential:

E1 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher

E2 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

E3 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities

E4 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design and analysis of experiments and drafting of papers

E5 Experience in undertaking independent research

Closing date:  19 November 2025

Expected start date:  September 2026, subject to negotiation

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 3 years.

Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.