Position Description

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

This Postdoctoral Associate position is part of an MIT-based team working under the direction of Principal Investigator David Jerison as part of a Simons Foundation collaboration with PIs at U. of Minnesota, U. C. Santa Barbara, U. Cambridge, U. Geneva, ETH, Zurich, and several schools in Paris. The postdoctoral associate will be engaged in mathematical research and numerical experiments. This is a full time, one-year position.   It may be combined and extended with a separate application for a teaching position at MIT or combined with a postdoctoral position elsewhere in the collaboration.  Responsibilities include devising ways to determine the shape of eigenfunctions, eigenvalue distributions, the behavior of harmonic measure, and to study optimal partitioning problems; assisting with the design of algorithms for numerical experiments motivated by theoretical physics and physical experiments; coordinating with researchers across multiple institutions, both internal and external to the collaboration, working in areas relevant to the research agenda of the collaboration; assisting in training and development including running workshops or teaching minicourses on topics relevant to the collaboration and the supervision of student researchers; participating in monthly meetings and annual workshops run by the collaboration; disseminating research through conference presentations and journal articles. Applications must be complete by December 15, 2023 to receive full consideration. However, we will still accept new applications until January 15, 2024. If you have already applied for an Instructorship in the Department of Mathematics you do not need to re-submit your CV and reference letters. Instead, submit a cover letter specific to this position indicating that your other materials are already submitted for an instructorship. You may also submit any additional materials or different reference letters that are relevant to this position.

The Simons Collaboration on Localization of Waves combines the efforts of mathematicians, numerical analysts, theoretical and experimental physicists to predict and control the behavior of waves in disordered media.

REQUIRED: Ph.D. in mathematics or physics with a research background in partial differential equations, probability, or variational problems; the ability to work independently and part of a team; the ability to travel and present research results. PREFERRED: Computer programming experience; familiarity with quantum physics.

The start date is flexible between July 1, 2024, and September 1, 2024, and the end date is no later than August 31, 2024. The annual salary is $85,000. Hiring for this position is contingent upon funding. Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.

The Mathematics Department offers supportive mentorship to junior faculty, an exceptional environment for research, and a strong commitment to an inclusive, welcoming culture. MIT is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive equitable consideration for employment based on their experience and qualifications, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.