Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mathematics

Ames, IA

Full time

R20200

Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mathematics

Appointment Type:Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:The Department of Mathematics at Iowa State University invites applications for a postdoctoral position in mathematics. The successful candidate will contribute to foundational research projects in the Smith Lab at the interface of mathematics, theoretical physics, computer science, and information theory. The position includes a 2-1 teaching load and mentoring undergraduate students through the Iowa State Math Research Teams (ISMaRT) program.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Mathematics or a closely related discipline, completed prior to the start date.

• Demonstrated research experience in algebraic methods of mathematical physics.

• Demonstrated working knowledge of quantum mechanics and quantum information theory.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated research experience in geometric methods of mathematical physics.

• Demonstrated working knowledge of general relativity.

• Experience teaching undergraduate mathematics courses.

• Experience mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students in research.

• Experience applying advanced machine learning methods to scientific research.

• Experience applying advanced artificial intelligence methods to scientific research.

Department/Program & College Description:The Department of Mathematics at Iowa State University is a vibrant academic community with strengths in pure and applied mathematics, offering outstanding opportunities in research, teaching, and student mentorship. Faculty maintain active, externally funded research programs across a broad range of mathematical disciplines, while fostering a collaborative environment that supports innovation, interdisciplinary engagement, and student success. The department is committed to excellence in scholarship and education and provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in cutting-edge research.

Department Unit/Website:Papers by Jonathan D. H. Smith (https://jdhsmith.math.iastate.edu/math/papers.htm)

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To be guaranteed consideration, applications must be received by December 1st, 2026.

Application Instructions:To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae

• Letter of Application/Cover Letter

• Research statement

• Teaching statement

Why Choose Iowa State University?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans

• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans

• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

• Life insurance and long-term disability

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Various voluntary benefits and discounts

• Employee Assistance Program

• Wellbeing program

• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date:August 16, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Pay Grade:Post Docs

Original Posting Date: November 5, 2026

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:R20200

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub (https://www.myworkday.com/isu/d/task/2998$46522.htmld?reloadToken=892f884ef9c2fa7e5e6257ecf4e9e942f7aa1a12df75918c6ce41bc78e123167) .

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

If you have questions about the application process please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [email protected] or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.