Montana State University, Department of Mathematical Sciences

Position ID:

MontanaState-PR [#27993]

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Researcher

Position Type:

Postdoctoral

Position Location:

Bozeman, Montana 59717, United States of America

Subject Areas:

quantum mathematics, especially quantum topology, including skein theory, topological quantum field theory, and applications to quantum computing.

Appl Deadline:

2026/02/02 11:59PM help popup

(posted 2026/01/16, listed until 2026/07/16)

Position Description:

The Department of Mathematical Sciences at Montana State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in the area of quantum mathematics.

This position is funded by the Air Force Research Labs (AFRL) as part of the QCore quantum collaborative research environment at Montana State University. The postdoctoral fellow would be based in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, under the supervision of mathematicians David Ayala and Sam Gunningham. They will also have the opportunity to take advantage of the expertise and facilities afforded by the QCore group. More information about QCore and its mission can be found here: https://www.montana.edu/qcore/

The successful candidate will be expected to pursue an independent research program in the realm of quantum mathematics and to interact with the other faculty and students in the group. Preference will be given to candidates who have a track record of high-quality research in quantum mathematics, especially quantum topology, including skein theory, topological quantum field theory, and applications to quantum computing.

Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Conduct research in the realm of quantum mathematics. 2. Attend regular supervisory meetings with the primary supervisor(s). 3. Disseminate said research in the community, for example, by presenting at conferences, and writing research papers with a view towards publications in journals. 4. Interact with students and faculty in the group, for example, by attending relevant seminars and research meetings.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills: 1. Doctorate in Mathematics or closely related field (for example, mathematics, physics, or computer science), upon start date. 2. Evidence of research potential in mathematics with a research specialty in quantum mathematics. 3. Evidence of mentoring potential, specifically in graduate or undergraduate research.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills: 1. Active research program in the realm of quantum mathematics (e.g., publications and preprints). 2. Demonstrated experience in mentoring students at the graduate or undergraduate level. 3. Demonstrated experience in collaborating with researchers in other scientific disciplines.

The successful candidate will interact and collaborate with faculty and students at MSU in the realm of quantum mathematics, and possess strong oral and written communication skills and effective interpersonal skills.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information: 1. The initial appointment is anticipated to begin on July 1, 2026, and is expected to include 18 months of research funding, with the possibility of extension to a two-year position. Salary for the research appointment is set at $63,000 annually for 18 months, with the opportunity to supplement this amount with an additional teaching appointment. 2. This position is not eligible for sponsorship. 3. This position is contingent upon continued grant funding. 4. A successful candidate must be able to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws, which may require proof that candidate is a U.S. person. Per 22 CFR §120.15, U.S. person means a person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). 5. This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EEO Statement:

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

We are not accepting applications for this job through MathJobs.Org right now. Please apply at https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/50156 .

Contact: Molly Patten, (406)994-3603

Email: email address

Postal Mail:

: Mathematics Search Committee
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Montana State University
PO Box 172400
Bozeman MT 59717-2400

Web Page: http://www.math.montana.edu/