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University of Tennessee, Mathematics

Position ID:
UTK-PDAI [#27863]
Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-1320, United States of America
Subject Area:
mathematical foundations of AI
Appl Deadline:
2026/02/15 11:59PMhelp popup (posted 2025/12/15, listed until 2026/06/15)
Position Description:
   

Position Description

The Department of Mathematics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville invites applications for one Postdoctoral Research Associate (non-tenure eligible) in the mathematical foundation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The successful candidate will work on statistical learning using topology and graph theory under the supervision of Dr. Farzana Nasrin.

This is a full-time, 12-month, 100% research-focused appointment beginning in August 2026. The position is renewable for at least one additional year, contingent on annual performance evaluations. The appointee will work on projects at the intersection of applied topology, statistics, and machine learning, contributing to both theoretical advancements and novel frameworks in artificial intelligence.

Responsibilities Conduct original research in mathematical AI, especially in statistical learning.

Collaborate with Professor Nasrin and other interdisciplinary researchers

Contribute to the preparation of publications and grant proposals

Participate in academic presentations, seminars, and workshops

Engage with the broader research community at UT and externally

Qualifications Required Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D. in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or a closely related field by the time of appointment

Experience:

Evidence of independent research in one or more areas relevant to mathematical data science

Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Strong mathematical and computational background

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Ph.D. with a research emphasis in topology, data science, or machine learning

Experience:

Experience working in interdisciplinary research settings

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Familiarity with topological data analysis, machine learning, or AI

Proficiency in Python or other scientific programming languages

Work Location

Knoxville, Tennessee

This position is onsite

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated hiring range: $60,000 - $65,000

Find more information on UT Benefits here: https://tennessee.edu/about/divisions/finance-admin/hr/payroll-benefits-retirement/

Application Instructions

For best consideration, applicants should submit the following materials as soon as possible:

A cover letter describing interest in the position

A curriculum vitae

A research statement

A publication list

Review of applications will occur on a rolling basis, but later applications may be considered.

About The Department

The Department of Mathematics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is home to a vibrant community of scholars engaged in a broad range of mathematical research. The department supports strong interdisciplinary connections with fields such as biology, data science, engineering, and computer science, and plays a key role in campus-wide AI and data science initiatives.

About Us The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community! https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/jobs/preview/6056/?mode=location

EEO/AA STATEMENT / NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), ADEA (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the (EEO). Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the EEO office.

We are not accepting applications for this job through MathJobs.Org right now. Please apply at https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/jobs/preview/6056/?mode=location external link.
Contact: Farzana Nasrin, 865-974-2463
Email: email address
Postal Mail:
University of Tennessee
Department of Mathematics
1403 Circle Drive/ 227 Ayres Hall
Knoxville TN 37996
Web Page: www.math.utk.edu