We typically invite a dozen or two visitors to join forces with our research staff for these conferences. Our visitors are a very strong group of researchers in mathematics and computer science ranging in experience from graduate students to emeritus professors. We also occasionally invite exceptionally strong undergraduates with independent research experience.

Typically, we have a mix of new and returning participants, depending upon individual proclivity for and interest in the particular problem set. Those having an outstanding talent for our problems may also be invited to join our permanent research staff.

The first two weeks are spent attending lectures introducing the problems and the current state of knowledge. Participants spend the remaining eight weeks working on whatever problem, or piece thereof, is of interest to them. Joint work is encouraged and informal bull sessions or lectures are used to present partial results or even half-baked ideas which often stimulate better ideas. Participants typically write papers and/or well-documented code as appropriate, and give summary presentations to an invited audience at the end of the summer.

Successful participants have represented a broad range of subfields within mathematics and computer science. However, an affinity for computation is more important than area of specialization: we are looking for researchers who have some experience with algorithms and programming and who are excited to actually compute things.

Capabilities

• Able to work effectively and independently in an unstructured environment
• Possesses relevant expertise and can bring it to bear on difficult problems
• Able to exercise sound judgment
• Able to effectively manage time across multiple research projects
• Able to collaborate well
• Able to effectively and appropriately leverage computing resources
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing
• Able to interact and maintain effective relationships with Government or industry representatives as needed
• Able to independently identify and address challenges, and assume technical leadership as needed

• Demonstrated ability to perform independent research
• Proven ability to publish findings and present findings orally
  
• Able to present ideas, concepts, and theories orally and in writing
  
• Demonstrated innovative thinking and problem resolution
  
• Able to work in an unstructured environment and/or on more than one project concurrently
  
• Able to interact with government or industry representatives
• Travel may be required
• U.S. citizenship is required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required