Postdoctoral Researcher

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

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.

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
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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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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 include 18 months of research funding, with the possibility of extension to a two‑year position.

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.

Applications will be screened beginning on February 2, 2026
; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

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.

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Research Statement

Optional Documents are welcomed but not required.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).