"Research Associate on the Physics of Learning (Fixed Term)"

University of Cambridge - Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics

Placed On: 22nd December 2025 | Closes: 15th January 2026 | Job Ref: LE48106

The Simons Collaboration on the Physics of Learning and Neural Computation is searching for a Postdoctoral Fellow to perform scientific research on AI, working in the research group of Collaboration PI Miranda C. N. Cheng at the University of Cambridge in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics.

Scientific Mission: The Simons Collaboration aims to develop a deeper scientific understanding of artificial intelligence and break AI out of its black box using insights and techniques from mathematics and theoretical physics. The fellow is expected to drive this endeavour through a combination of theory development and numerical experimentation, employing theoretical and numerical tools to understand how AI systems learn, compute, and scale. We also welcome candidates who wish to propose new research directions aligned with these goals.

Research Environment: The successful candidate will actively participate in the activities of the broader Simons Collaboration spanning multiple institutions. This includes frequent collaboration-wide activities, potential research visits to other participating institutions, and potential collaborations with other PIs.
Based in Cambridge, the fellow will be based in a vibrant local community for physics, AI-for-Science, and computer science. There will be opportunities to interact and collaborate with researchers in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) and the Infosys-Cambridge AI Lab.

Duties include: Developing and conducting individual and collaborative research objectives, proposals and projects. The role holder will be expected to plan and manage their own research and administration, with guidance if required, and to assist in the preparation of proposals and applications to external bodies. You must be able to communicate material of a technical nature and be able to build internal and external contacts. You may be asked to assist in the supervision of student projects, the development of student research skills, provide instruction or plan/deliver seminars relating to the research area.

Qualifications: Candidates must hold (or be close to completing) a Ph.D. in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field. A strong track record of research accomplishments is required. Ideally, this involves a combination of theoretical physics, mathematics, and machine learning. We also welcome candidates who wish to move into this new emerging field of Physics-of-AI.

Informal inquiries can be made by contacting miranda.cheng.w@gmail.com.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years.

How to Apply
To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.
Please indicate the contact email address of two 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).
Queries about the application process should be addressed to LE48106@maths.cam.ac.uk
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted soon after the closing date.
Please quote reference LE48106 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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