Postdoctoral Researcher

Montana State University, United States

Updated: 11 days ago
Location: Bozeman, MONTANA
Deadline: ;

Position Details
Position Information


Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26260
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Molly Patten
Business Office Manager
molly.patten@montana.edu
Classification Title Postdoctoral Researcher
Working Title Postdoctoral Researcher
Brief Position Overview
The Department of Mathematical Sciences at Montana State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in the area of quantum mathematics, especially quantum topology, including skein theory, topological quantum field theory, and applications to quantum computing.
Position Number 4C2387
Department Mathematical Sciences
Division College of Letters & Science
Appointment Type Research Professional
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Exempt
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 0.95
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
Contract Type LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open

Position Details


General Statement
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: QCORE Homepage – Default | Montana State University

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
  • Conduct research in the realm of quantum mathematics.
  • Attend regular supervisory meetings with the primary supervisor(s).
  • Disseminate said research in the community, for example, by presenting at conferences, and writing research papers with a view towards publications in journals.
  • Interact with students and faculty in the group, for example, by attending relevant seminars and research meetings.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  • Doctorate in Mathematics or closely related field (for example, mathematics, physics, or computer science), upon start date.
  • Evidence of research potential in mathematics with a research specialty in quantum mathematics.
  • Evidence of mentoring potential, specifically in graduate or undergraduate research.
    		•
    Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  • Active research program in the realm of quantum mathematics (e.g., publications and preprints).
  • Demonstrated experience in mentoring students at the graduate or undergraduate level.
  • 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.
    • Possess strong oral and written communication skills and effective interpersonal skills.
    Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
    This position requires U.S. citizenship status.
    This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
    Continuation of employment is contingent upon the availability of funding.
    All QCORE employees may be required to meet NIST 800-53 requirements for access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This position may require the ability to obtain a DoD Security Clearance.

    Upon submission of your application, your references will be automatically emailed with a request to provide a letter of recommendation.
    The initial appointment is anticipated to begin on July 1, 2026, and is expected to include18 months of research funding, with the possibility of extension to a two-year position.

    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.
    Physical Demands
    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.
    This position has supervisory duties? No

    Posting Detail Information


    Number of Vacancies 1
    Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search.
    Position End Date (if temporary)
    Open Date
    Close Date
    Applications will be:
    Screening of applications will begin on February 2, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
    Special Instructions
    This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
    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.

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