The Kantorovich Initiative (KI) invites applications for its inaugural postdoctoral position. KI is an interdisciplinary collaborative research group focusing on the mathematics of optimal transport and its applications to different branches of mathematics, biology, economics, engineering, statistics and data science. This position is funded by the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (PIMS) through the Collaborative Research Grant, the Pacific Interdisciplinary Hub on Optimal Transport (PIHOT). More information on KI and PIHOT can be found at Kantorovich.org.

This is a one year position, renewable for a second year subject to satisfactory performance. The location can be either at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, or at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver. The final decision will be determined between the successful candidate and the selection committee. In any case, regular travel to other PIMS sites, both within Canada and to the University of Washington, Seattle, to facilitate interaction with our members will be expected. The start date is September 1, 2022, although there is some flexibility to accommodate the successful candidate's schedule.

The ideal candidate is a mathematically talented and original researcher, with interests varying from analysis and probability to optimization and discrete mathematics. The candidate should have a strong background in the mathematics of optimal transport, a keen interest in applications, and an aptitude for learning about related new fields.

Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent in mathematics or closely related areas or expect to receive one by Summer 2022. Appointment as a Postdoctoral Fellow typically requires a PhD obtained in 2019 or later and must begin within five years of being awarded the PhD. Earlier PhDs will be considered where the research career has been interrupted by circumstances such as parental responsibilities or illness. Positions are open to individuals of any nationality.

The annual salary will be $55, 000 (CAD), for duties including research and teaching one to two mathematics courses per year.

The award decision will be made by a committee of our interdisciplinary members. Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to make their application materials accessible to researchers with a variety of backgrounds who are nevertheless familiar with the basics of optimal transport.

PIMS and KI take our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion very seriously. We strive to build an open and inclusive community. We strongly encourage people from historically underrepresented groups to apply for this position.

Review of applications will begin on January 1, 2022, and continue until the position is filled. Applicants must apply through mathjobs.org.

Applications should include:

1. A cover letter outlining their fit for the KI position. Please indicate a preference for primary location (Edmonton or Vancouver), if any.
2. A research statement. It should include a section on broader impacts of research outside of the immediate field.
3. A teaching statement.
4. A curriculum vitae.
5. A publication list.
6. At least four confidential letters of reference, including one addressing teaching.

Further questions about the application and the position can be addressed to any of:

• Young-Heon Kim, yhkim@math.ubc.ca
• Soumik Pal, soumik@uw.edu
• Brendan Pass, pass@ualberta.ca