Research Fellow (107737-0925)

About The Role

For informal enquiries, please contact Dmitry Chistikov (Associate Professor) at d.chistikov@warwick.ac.uk. A postdoctoral Research Fellow position is available in connection with an EPSRC research grant (New Investigator Award) of Dr Dmitry Chistikov (webpage), “Two-way automata: limitations and frontiers”. The main objective of the position is to pursue cutting-edge research in automata theory, and possibly at the interface with algorithms (fine-grained complexity). Please be aware that references will be requested for applicants shortlisted for interview. The recruiting department will be in touch to request these at this time.

Flexible Working

We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.

PhD Status

If you are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD but have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant at the top of level 5 of the University grade structure (£34,610). Upon receipt of evidence of the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of level 6 of the University grade structure (£35,608).

About You

You will have a strong background in Theoretical Computer Science or a related discipline, such as Mathematics. You will have (or expect to obtain shortly) a PhD or equivalent qualification in the relevant area. Familiarity with automata (e.g., two-way automata and transducers, two-way pushdown automata, and related models of computation) is a plus but not essential: candidates with a different background are also encouraged to apply. For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

About The Department

During your employment, you will be a member of the Theory and Foundations research theme in the Department of Computer Science, and of the Centre for Discrete Mathematics and its Applications (DIMAP). The Department is one of the leading Computer Science departments in the UK and was ranked 4th in the most recent national research assessment exercise (REF 2021) We are supportive of staff with caring responsibilities including a generous maternity/paternity/adoption/parental leave policy, onsite childcare facilities and a childcare vouchers scheme.

About The University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK. 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.* Find out more about us on our website. QS World University Rankings 2024, Research Excellence Framework 2021

How to Apply

CLOSING DEADLINE: Thursday 11th September 2025 at 23:55 (BST) To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

Your CV Should Include

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).
• Please also include names and contact details of 3 references.

Your Cover Letter Should Explain

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).
• A list of publications, among which 2 most representative publications should be selected.

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview. You are welcome to include details of any career breaks (e.g. parental leave, caring responsibilities, sick leave). Shortlisted candidates will be asked to arrange reference letters to arrive by 28 September 2025.

Interview Date: 30th September 2025

Desired Start Date: Negotiable

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

What we Offer

We Provide a Comprehensive Range Of Benefits, Including An attractive pension scheme. 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure. Generous parental/adoption leave policy. Onsite childcare facilities. Excellent learning and development opportunities. We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here. We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick. We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with. Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice. The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults). All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction. Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.

Job Description JD - Research Fellow (107737).pdf – 84KB Opens in a new window

Right to Work in the UK

If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.