Postdoctoral Research Associate in Dynamical Systems and Stability Theory

• Full time, fixed term for 3 years, located on the Camperdown Campus

• Contribute to research in dynamical systems and spectral stability

• Base Salary, Academic Level A offering a base salary of $113,634 - $125,896 p.a. + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

The School of Mathematics and Statistics of the University of Sydney is one of the largest in Australia. It has 64 continuing academic staff to supervise research and teaching, 51 fixed term staff and postdocs, 97 postgraduate students and 2,288 equivalent full-time student-load undergraduate students.

To learn more about the School of Mathematics and Statistics click here

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to the ARC-funded project “The Maslov index for non-Hamiltonian systems”. Working closely with Associate Professor Robert Marangell at the University of Sydney and Professor Jared Bronski at the University of Illinois, the successful candidate will help develop the generalised Maslov index into a practical tool for stability analysis. The project will investigate connections between the Maslov index and the Evans function, develop methods for systems with multiple timescales, and apply these techniques to travelling-wave and spectral stability problems. Potential applications include mathematical biology, superconductivity and nonlinear optics. The position offers opportunities for international collaboration and for presenting research at major national and international conferences.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• undertake research on Maslov-index methods for non-Hamiltonian systems

• develop connections between the Maslov index and the Evans function

• investigate fast-slow decompositions using geometric and asymptotic methods

• apply analytical and numerical methods to travelling-wave stability problems

• develop independent research directions aligned with the project

• publish and present research in leading journals and at major conferences

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Dynamical Systems and Stability Theory who has:

• a Ph.D. (or near completion) in Mathematics or a related discipline

• research experience in dynamical systems, including spectral or stability analysis of ODEs or PDEs

• familiarity with the Maslov index, Evans function or related geometric methods

• experience with fast-slow systems, asymptotic analysis or geometric singular perturbation theory

• practical experience in numerical computation and scientific programming

• a strong research record and excellent communication and collaboration skills

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit three documents as part of their application: (1) a cover letter, (2) a curriculum vitae (CV), and (3) a research statement. The cover letter should briefly explain the applicant’s interest in and suitability for the position. The research statement should outline the applicant’s research experience and interests, including how their expertise would contribute to the aims of the project.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications should include a cover letter, CV and research statement. The cover letter should briefly explain the applicant’s interest in and suitability for the position. The research statement should outline the applicant’s research experience and interests, including how their expertise would contribute to the aims of the project. Applications can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Cherie Goodwin or Rebecca Astar, Recruitment Operations, Human Resources on recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au.

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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Wednesday 02 September 2026 11:59 PM