What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Research Professor - Mathematical Sciences position at Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
JOB TITLE
Assistant Research Professor - Mathematical Sciences
LOCATION
Worcester
DEPARTMENT NAME
Mathematical Science Department
DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Department of Mathematical Sciences at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) seeks applicants for an Assistant Research Professor in mathematical science to begin in the Summer of 2025. These positions are focused on machine learning, deep learning, and applications to the physical sciences. The successful applicants are expected to work with Prof. Paffenroth's research team and develop a robust research program and contribute to the teaching mission of the department. Candidates will be expected to participate with WPI's growing interdisciplinary programs, with a particular focus on the Data Science and AI program. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Mathematics or Statistics, or related area. The appointment will be for up to three years with annual renewal based on satisfactory performance.
WPI is a diverse campus of learners passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We are looking for candidates who can support our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
JOB DESCRIPTION
This is a research position that will be housed in Mathematical Sciences, and advised by Prof. Paffenroth who has joint appoints in Mathematical Sciences, Computer Science, and Data Science. The department has over 40 faculty and postdocs. Our undergraduate programs in Mathematical Sciences and Actuarial Mathematics have approximately 100 students and our graduate programs have over 100 students. At the graduate level, we have several master's programs (Applied Statistics, Applied Mathematics, and Industrial Mathematics) and we offer PhDs in Mathematical Sciences and Statistics. The department has a strong reputation for its cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and for its successful programs addressing mathematical and statistical problems in industry, with a Center for Industrial Mathematics and Statistics (CIMS). The intended position will be part of a large research program in Prof. Paffenroth's group that spans mathematics, deep learning, and physical science.
The successful candidate is expected to contribute to an existing research project focusing on machine learning and deep learning for chemical detection problems in the low data limit. While previous expertise in chemical detection problems is not required, some familiarity with problems in the physical sciences would be helpful. Experience in machine learning and / or deep learning are essential, with a particular focus of the project being generative methods such as GANs and autoencoders. A combined theoretical-applied approach is being used where novel deep learning models are developed and then implemented using high performance computing systems at WPI.
WPI's reputation as a rigorous and innovative university rests on the shoulders of its faculty. A highly selective, private technological university and one of the nation's first, WPI believes that when great minds work together, great advances follow. At WPI the boundaries to multidisciplinary collaboration are low. Faculty members, students, and other partners work together on the real-world projects and purposeful research that are hallmarks of the WPI experience. WPI is consistently ranked among the top 70 research institutions by US News & World Report. Located one hour west of Boston, the university's campus is in Worcester, Massachusetts, a thriving 21st century college city recognized as a growing hub of scientific and technological innovation.
Qualified applicants should submit a single pdf that contains (1) a cover letter (2) a curriculum vitae (3) a teaching statement and (4) a statement of research objectives that includes a section on how the applicant's research would benefit from the department's research activities and identifies potential collaborators or mentors within the department. Four letters of recommendation, at least one of which addresses teaching experience or potential, should be sent to ma-chair@wpi.edu with the applicant name and position being applied to in the subject line.
FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.
