Position Description

Chancellor's Postdoctoral Fellowship
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, Texas
Department of Mathematics
http://www.math.tcu.edu 

“At TCU, our commitment to diversity and inclusion drives us to connect with scholars who are dedicated to creating and promoting change inside and outside of the classroom by providing diverse perspectives. We are excited to improve our community by offering this fellowship to help strengthen and advance TCU’s academic profile by actively seeking candidates who promote diversity in the academy through their life experiences. It is my hope that through this fellowship we can continue our efforts towards building an even more diverse intellectual community.”- Chancellor Victor J. Boschini  

With a strong commitment to scholarly work and achievement, Texas Christian University (TCU) is pleased to offer a postdoctoral fellowship committed to our strong teacher-scholar model.  This program provides a two-year postdoctoral fellowship to an exceptional scholar dedicated to both research and teaching. Designed to promote diversity in the academy, this term’s fellowship seeks applications from individuals with research and teaching experience in statistics, mathematics, and/or data science.

The Mathematics of AI Postdoctoral Fellow will be housed in the Department of Mathematics within the College of Science and Engineering (CSE). The department supports a vibrant community of undergraduate majors in Mathematics, Actuarial Science, and Data Science, as well as graduate students in the MS/PhD programs. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to engage in impactful research while contributing to the department’s commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship. The fellow’s primary focus will be on addressing critical issues of fairness and equity in artificial intelligence (AI) through the application of statistical and mathematical tools. These efforts are essential for developing ethical and just systems in an increasingly automated world. Working within the broad thematic area of “The Mathematics of AI,” the fellow will have the flexibility to choose a specific research focus that aligns with their interests and intersects with the expertise of senior mentor Prof. Nelis Potgieter.

The fellowship focuses on key research areas such as Algorithmic Fairness, Differential Privacy, and Differential Item Functioning (DIF), which address fairness, equity, and inclusion in AI and statistics. These areas provide opportunities to tackle real-world ethical challenges in predictive modeling by applying mathematical and statistical tools with both technical rigor and practical impact. Collaboration and innovation are integral to this role, with opportunities for cross-disciplinary research within the College of Science and Engineering and across other TCU departments. The fellow will have the chance to explore intersections between the mathematics of AI and related fields, fostering innovative solutions to real-world problems and contributing to a more equitable academic and technological landscape. Through these efforts, the fellow will advance ethical research that combines technical expertise with a commitment to fairness and inclusion, supporting TCU’s mission to produce meaningful scholarship that benefits both academia and society.

The Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellow has the unique opportunity to receive:

• Mentorship from a senior professor and college leadership
• Training and development in the areas of research and pedagogy
• Professional development preparing the fellow for a full-time faculty position at an academic institution
• Networking and connection-building with university administration
• Opportunities to engage and participate as an active member of the TCU community

Required Qualifications: 

• PhD or equivalent degree in statistics, data science, mathematics, or a related field from an accredited institution, earned within five years prior to July 1, 2025.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Candidates from historically underrepresented groups in the U.S. higher education system are strongly encouraged to apply.
• The selection committee will consider all factors that enhance a candidate’s ability to contribute to diversity in the academy, including varied socioeconomic and cultural experiences, diversity-related research, teaching goals emphasizing diversity, and first-generation college graduates. Candidates meeting these criteria should highlight these experiences in the diversity statement.
• Have experience in and a demonstrated commitment to research and teaching.

Award:

The salary is a minimum of $50,000 plus a generous benefits package including access to medical, vision, dental, and life insurance. This award also includes up to $5,000 for research‐related and program travel expenses. Each award is for 12 months and may be renewable for only one additional year upon demonstration of academic productivity. The position will begin Fall 2025.

Expectations:

The TCU Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellow is expected: 1) to teach a minimum of one class during each semester of the fellowship. Additional duties, which might include other types of instructional support, will be assigned in a manner befitting the fellow’s area(s) of expertise; 2) to focus on research; 3) to meet regularly with faculty mentors; 4) to participate in professional development opportunities; and 5) to connect and collaborate across the college and institution when deemed appropriate.

Submitting Details:

Applications must be submitted both through MathJobs (http://www.mathjobs.org/) and through the TCU HR system at https://jobs.tcu.edu/ (search for "math" and select "Chancellor's Postdoc Fellow"). The application package on MathJobs must include the following: (a) AMS Cover Sheet, (b) Cover Letter describing applicant’s interest in doing postdoctoral work specifically at TCU and relevant personal and professional background, (c) Curriculum Vitae (CV), (d) Research Statement  (three-page limit, double-spaced), (e) Teaching Statement, (f) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement sharing how your experiences related to diversity, equity, and inclusion can help to advance TCU’s commitment to fostering an inclusive community (1-3 pages), (g) Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts, and (h) two or more confidential Letters of Recommendation, at least one of which should address teaching.

The Research Statement should summarize your research experience, expertise, and future goals, with a brief section on how your work aligns with the fellowship’s focus on fairness and equity in AI. Focus on presenting your contributions and aspirations clearly and accessibly. The Teaching Statement should outline your teaching philosophy, student engagement strategies, and assessment methods. Candidates with limited teaching experience may highlight related experiences (e.g., mentoring or tutoring) and describe plans to grow as an educator. The DEI Statement should include examples of your contributions to fostering inclusivity or plans to promote diversity and equity in this role. The Letters of Recommendation must include one addressing your teaching abilities or potential, and all should highlight your academic strengths and alignment with the fellowship’s goals.

Finalists may be asked to provide additional materials. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. The posting and instructions for the TCU HR system can be found by going to https://jobs.tcu.edu/ and searching for Math positions. For full consideration, submit by March 15, but review of applications will continue until the position is filled.