Position Description

The Opportunity

The Department of Mathematics at Simon Fraser University (SFU) invites applications for two Postdoctoral Fellow positions, jointly supervised by Prof. Yingda Cheng, the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada in Advanced Digital Technologies for Fusion Energy and Prof. Daniel Appelo. The Chair is one of the inaugural appointments under the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative at SFU.

Applications are encouraged from candidates working in areas aligned with the Chair's mission, with priority given to:

• Scientific Machine Learning;
• Advanced Numerical Methods (e.g., for PDEs, kinetic equations, high-dimensional problems);
• Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy Science;
• Quantum Device Simulation / Quantum Technologies;
• High performance computing and GPU acceleration.

We seek applicants with a strong aptitude for research and a demonstrated ability to work at the interface of applied mathematics, scientific computing, and physics. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team and will have opportunities to collaborate with the Chair’s academic, industry, and international partners.

The start date is flexible and negotiable with the target date range between January 1 to  September 1, 2027. The initial appointment is for two years, with the possibility of renewal for a third year subject to satisfactory performance. Teaching load is up to one undergraduate course per year in the Department of Mathematics.

Qualifications

Excellence in research and strong potential for independent and collaborative work are the primary criteria for this position. The successful candidate must:

• Hold a Ph.D. in mathematics, applied mathematics, physics, or a closely related discipline, obtained no later than 3 years prior to the start of the fellowship.
• Have an excellent scientific record of research in one or more of the areas of interest above.
• Demonstrate strong computational/programming skills relevant to scientific machine learning and/or numerical simulation.
• Demonstrate potential for independent research and for contributing to an interdisciplinary, collaborative research environment.

Prior experience with plasma physics, fusion energy applications, or quantum computing is an asset but not required. Some of the research tasks will involve industrial partners and international partners, so preference will be given to candidates with strong communication and teamwork skills.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via MathJobs. 

Reference letters must also be uploaded via MathJobs. Full consideration will be given to applications received by December 1, 2026. Applications received after this deadline may be reviewed if the position is still open.

Applications will consist of the following components:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that briefly addresses the criteria listed in Qualifications.
• A complete, up-to-date curriculum vitae listing education and employment history, publications, conference presentations, funding and awards, collaborations and partnerships, teaching experience, and service activities if any.
• A research statement (typically 2–4 pages) describing the candidate's research area, how it aligns with the position, research experience, goals, and a plan for their research program during the fellowship.
• Two examples of published or submitted scholarly work.
• Three reference letters by referees who can comment on the candidate's suitability for this position.
• Please indicate your legal status to work in Canada.

About SFU's Commitment to Diversity

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, and Tsawwassen peoples on whose unceded traditional territories our three campuses reside.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University. We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact the Equity Office at EDI@sfu.ca.

The Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair particularly welcomes applications from women and other underrepresented groups in computational science.

Salary and Benefits

The base salary for this position is $65000-$70000 plus benefits and extended health benefits. For details on the benefits offered by SFU, please visit the SFU Postdoctoral Fellows website.

Privacy Notice

Personal information that forms part of an application is collected under the general authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and applicable University Policies.