Duke University, Department of Mathematics

Position ID:

Duke-AIR [#28316, 51035143, 51035144]

Position Title:

Assistant in Research

Position Type:

Other

Position Location:

Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States of America

Subject Areas:

Functional Analysis; Mathematical Statistics; Data Processing; Visualization

Starting Date:

2026/09/01

Appl Deadline:

2026/04/14 23:59:59** (posted 2026/04/07, listed until 2026/04/14)

Position Description:

Dr. Ingrid Daubechies and Dr. Greg Herschlag are seeking research candidate(s) to collaborate on machine learning methods for complex datasets, with applications in biology and medicine. Selected candidates will contribute to mathematical analysis and the development of software tools designed to detect and quantify similarity and dissimilarity across anatomical surfaces, including teeth, bones, and fracture structures.

Overview:

As part of an ongoing collaboration with biologists and evolutionary anthropologists, one or two research assistants will be appointed for a period during the 2026–2027 academic year. The project focuses on the analysis of large-dimensional datasets corresponding to anatomical shapes. Research assistants will work closely with principal investigators in the Department of Mathematics to develop the underlying mathematical framework, drawing on techniques from differential geometry, computer graphics, approximation theory, and mathematical statistics. In parallel, they will contribute to the design and implementation of user-friendly software tools that operationalize these methods.

A key component of the role includes developing Python packages for integration into the Morphosource platform, initiated by Duke colleague Doug Boyer in Evolutionary Anthropology. These tools will support researchers, scholars, and museums worldwide. Research assistants will participate in weekly team meetings, present regular progress updates, and contribute to refining the project’s theoretical direction based on ongoing computational and numerical experimentation.

Qualifications:

Applicants should hold a B.Sc. in Mathematics or a Master’s degree in Computer Science. Prior experience in relevant areas—both theoretical (e.g., mathematical modeling, geometry, or statistics) and computational (e.g., scientific programming, machine learning, or software development)—is highly preferred.

Application Materials Required:

Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:

Curriculum Vitae
Research statement

And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:

http://www.math.duke.edu

919-660-2800

Appointments Committee
Department of Mathematics
Box 90320 Duke University
Durham, NC 27708