PIMS Postdoctoral Competition 2023

The Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (PIMS) invites nominations of outstanding young researchers in the mathematical sciences for postdoctoral fellowships beginning in the academic year 2023-2024. Candidates must be nominated by a mathematical scientist (broadly construed) or a department at a PIMS Member University. These fellowships are intended to supplement support provided by the sponsor, and are tenable at any of the PIMS Canadian member universities: the University of Alberta, the University of British Columbia, the University of Calgary, the University of Lethbridge, the University of Manitoba, the University of Regina, the University of Saskatchewan, Simon Fraser University and the University of Victoria.

Program Features

Nominees must have a PhD or equivalent (or expect to receive a PhD by December 31, 2023) and applicants and sponsors are responsible for ensuring that any institutional requirements at the sponsoring institution are also met. The fellowship may be taken up at any time between September 1, 2023 and January 1, 2024. The fellowship term is one year and is renewable, contingent on satisfactory progress, for one additional year. The amount of the PIMS award is typically $30,000 and the sponsor(s) is (are) required to provide additional funds to finance a minimum total stipend of $55,000 per year. PIMS Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to participate in all PIMS activities related to the fellow's area of expertise and will be encouraged to spend time at more than one site. To ensure that PIMS Postdoctoral Fellows are able to participate fully in Institute activities, they may not teach more than two single-term courses per year.

Application Process

The PIMS PDF nomination/application process takes place entirely online, utilizing the MathJobs service provided by the American Mathematical Society. Potential sponsors should direct their nominees to apply online at mathjobs.org/jobs/PIMS. (Detailed instructions regarding all aspects of the MathJobs application procedure may be found in the online MathJobs user guides.) Note that all nominees, including those associated with PIMS Collaborative Research Groups and those applying for the PIMS-CNRS Postdoctoral Fellowship, must apply through MathJobs.

• Nominees will be asked to upload the following documents:
  1. A list of publications (highlighting their 3 most important publications).
  2. A curriculum vitae (CV).
  3. A statement of research interests. This statement should include details of specific project(s) to be worked on with the their sponsor. Special justification statements should be included if the applicant plans to either (i) continue to work with his/her PhD advisor, (ii) remain at their current institution (iii) if the time since their PhD was awarded is longer than 3 years.
  4. An equity, diversity and inclusivity statement. This statement should highlight your current contributions and future plans to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, with attention to your own experiences and any supporting activities for the success of students from racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds that are underrepresented in mathematics. If you have not yet had the opportunity for such experience, please address any future plans.
• Nominees are required to specify three references, one of which must be their sponsor. All references will be contacted by MathJobs via email requesting that they upload their reference letters. At least one reference should preferably be from an outside referee separate from the candidates PhD advisor and their sponsor.
• Nominees are required to specify the name and contact information for one or more sponsors on the application form. The nominee should select the option to "notify these people by email on submission".
• References will be contacted by MathJobs (via email) requesting that they submit their reference letters. References are due by December 5th, and must be received for the application to be considered complete.
• Sponsors will be contacted by MathJobs (via email) requesting that they complete the sponsor nomination form. The sponsor nomination form is a short form asking for details of the financial support, anticipated teaching load and other support for the candidate. The sponsor nomination form is due by December 5, and must be received (in addition to their reference letter) for the application to be considered complete.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to read our tips for a successful application document for more details about preparing a successful application.

Selection Criteria

• The scientific qualifications of the candidate
• Demonstrated scientific leadership
• The fit between the research interests of the candidate and those of the sponsor
• Awareness of and contributions to EDI initiatives, and
• Adequacy of matching funds.

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

Procedure and Deadlines

1. Candidate must submit their application to MathJobs before December 1, 2022.
2. All three references and the sponsor nomination form(s) must be received by December 5, 2022.