What are the responsibilities and job description for the MTH Post-Doctoral Scholar position at Portland State University?
Position Details
Proposed Start Date
09/16/2026
Rank
N - No Rank
Working Title
MTH Post-Doctoral Scholar
Position Number
D98918
Representation
UU - Unclassified Unrepresented
Faculty Type
Post-Doc Researcher
Fixed Term End Date:
04/30/2027
Position FTE
1.0
Term of Service
12 month
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Portland State University is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands-on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.
More than 27,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree-lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state-of-the-art science labs. We are proud of our world-class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.
For information about the Fariborz Maseeh department of Mathematics and Statistics, please visit: https://www.pdx.edu/math/
Position Summary
Per the National Science Foundation: Participating postdoctoral associates supported with NSF funds in RTG must be citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States or its territories and possessions.
An NSF-funded Research and Training Group (RTG) in Computation- And Data-Enabled Science (CADES) at Portland State University (PSU) will produce unique workforce additions possessing deep knowledge in specific areas of computational mathematics and statistics, as well as a broad understanding of current issues in data-driven science. The CADES group effort is divided into three areas: (Area I) numerical techniques for partial differential operators, (Area II) data-intensive statistical learning, and (Area III) optimization methods for data science. In addition to foundational issues in computational mathematics, examples of applied research directions include light propagation through optical devices, forecasting of weather, air quality, and drought, understanding progression of diseases like cancer and dementia, and multifacility location problems for warehouse and wireless services. All projects involve high performance computing and open-source scientific software products.
An NSF-funded Research and Training Group (RTG) in Computation- And Data-Enabled Science (CADES) at Portland State University (PSU) will produce unique workforce additions possessing deep knowledge in specific areas of computational mathematics and statistics, as well as a broad understanding of current issues in data-driven science. The CADES group effort is divided into three areas: (Area I) numerical techniques for partial differential operators, (Area II) data-intensive statistical learning, and (Area III) optimization methods for data science. In addition to foundational issues in computational mathematics, examples of applied research directions include light propagation through optical devices, forecasting of weather, air quality, and drought, understanding progression of diseases like cancer and dementia, and multifacility location problems for warehouse and wireless services. All projects involve high performance computing and open-source scientific software products.
Currently, we are seeking postdoctoral candidates interested in working in our team RTG environment. Candidates whose doctoral research experience intersects with at least one of Areas I, II, III, and who are desirous of acquiring skills in the remaining areas, are sought. NSF requires all RTG postdocs to be US citizens, nationals, or permanent residents.
In the CADES program, trainees develop skills not solely for academia, but also for research careers in industry and government labs. This RTG specifically aims to produce researchers A. trained in both mathematical and statistical techniques requiring advanced computational tools, B. exposed to both disciplinary advances and real-world data, and C. able to communicate both mathematically and in application-specific language. To this end, innovative training structures, seldom found in mathematics departments, are now being built at the Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics & Statistics for RTG postdocs and students.
The department has previously leveraged large philanthropic investments to successfully recruit leading scholars in computational science. It offers growth opportunities in a nurturing atmosphere where senior faculty are invested in collaborative group building and mentoring. The department is housed in a newly renovated LEED-certified modern facility in downtown Portland, well-connected by rail, streetcar, and bus lines. The Portland area, home to numerous software and hardware companies in the high-tech sector, offers a thriving, progressive, urban scene, in close proximity to stunning nature.
The proposed start date is is 9/16/2026, but could possibly start sooner depending on the needs of the project and candidate. The Hiring Manager is flexible on the start date.
The current end date of this position is 4/30/2027. The position may be extended contingent on the extension of the grant end date, to a maximum of 15 months.
The proposed start date is is 9/16/2026, but could possibly start sooner depending on the needs of the project and candidate. The Hiring Manager is flexible on the start date.
The current end date of this position is 4/30/2027. The position may be extended contingent on the extension of the grant end date, to a maximum of 15 months.
Primary Activity
R - Research
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in mathematics, statistics or a closely aligned field in computational science, obtained prior to the start date of the appointment.
Preferred Qualifications
Some teaching experience is preferred (but not required). Candidates with demonstrable computational experience combined training in rigorous theory are sought.
Key Cultural Competencies
- Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
- Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
- Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
- Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Professional Standards of Conduct
At Portland State University, all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner which maintains a safe, respectful, and productive environment for faculty, students, administrators, and staff. It is the responsibility of every member of the Portland State University community to conduct themselves in accordance with our PSU Professional Standards of Conduct which are available at https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/professional-standards-conduct-policy.
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
The starting annual salary for this position will be dependent upon years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.
PSU offers an n excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a optional retirement package and a generous vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools: https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview
Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package :https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator
PSU offers an n excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a optional retirement package and a generous vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools: https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview
Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package :https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator
Application Instructions
Additional Information
The position includes funds for professional travel up to $6000 per year.
Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
As soon as you submit your application, your references will be emailed a link to upload their letters of recommendation.
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle?
No
Background Check Required
Yes
If you have questions
Please contact Jay Gopalakrishnan at jay.gopalakrishnan@pdx.edu
Salary : $6,000