Research Associate in Experimental Active & Intelligent Matter (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge - Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics

Location:	Cambridge
Salary:	£37,694 to £46,049
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On:	9th April 2026
Closes:	5th May 2026
Job Ref:	LE49354

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the Jalaal Group at the University of Cambridge, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP). The successful candidate will be part of an active and interdisciplinary team of physicists and mathematicians, working at the interface of soft matter, robotics, statistical physics, and artificial intelligence.

The project focuses on the development of bio-inspired intelligent synthetic active matter. The postdoc will develop and implement advanced robotic systems, combined with theoretical/computational statistical physics to investigate the emergent dynamics of active matter. The work will combine experimental methods (robotics, machine vision, control, ...) with theoretical approaches from non-equilibrium statistical physics, control theory, and where appropriate, machine learning and data-driven techniques.

The position offers a structured career development path within an active and ambitious research group and department. The postdoc will be involved in planning and delivering seminars as well as supervision of students and contribute to the mentoring of junior researchers, and play an active role in developing fellowship applications and research grant proposals.

The successful candidate will have (or expect to soon be awarded) a PhD in engineering, physics, computer science, or a related field, and will have:

• A strong background in soft matter physics or related fields
• Experience with experimental methods such as robotic and/or synthetic active matter
• Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g. Python, C, C++)
• Experience with active matter theory and non-equilibrium statistical physics
• Familiarity with machine learning or data-driven methods
• A track record of original research
• An ability to communicate material of a technical nature and build internal and external contacts

The position is expected to be available from 1 September 2026.

Limit of tenure: The funds for this post are available for 24 months in the first instance.

The post may be further renewed for a period of up to 12 months.

Further information about the department and the group can be found at:

DAMTP: http://damtp.cam.ac.uk

Lab: http://www.fluidlab.nl

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

Informal enquiries can be made by contacting Dr Maziyar Jalaal at m.jalaal@damtp.cam.ac.uk.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact LE49354@maths.cam.ac.uk.

Please indicate the contact details (including their email addresses) of three academic referees on the online application form and upload a full curriculum vitae and a description of your recent research (not to exceed three pages). Please ensure that your referees are contactable at any time during the selection process, and are made aware that they will be contacted by the Mathematics HR Office Administrator to request that they upload a reference for you to our Web Recruitment System; and please encourage them to do so promptly.

Please quote reference LE49354 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

*The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.*

*The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.*