Jobs and Careers

Postdoc Research Associate - Discrete Mathematics

Iowa State University

United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 5 Dec 2025

About the role

Position Title:

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Mathematics at Iowa State University invites applications for a two academic year postdoctoral position with possible extension to a third year. The expected start date is August 16, 2026, and the end date is May 31, 2028.

This opening is in discrete mathematics, aligning with the research interests of Prof. Bernard Lidický and Prof. Shira Zerbib. This includes graph theory, discrete geometry, topological combinatorics, extremal combinatorics, and flag algebras. The position has a 2-1 teaching load and a requirement to be involved with mentoring undergraduate students in research through the Iowa State Math Research Teams (ISMaRT, https://sites.google.com/view/ismart-iastate).

Required Minimum Qualifications:

PhD in Mathematics or a closely related discipline obtained by the appointment start date

Preferred Qualifications:

Research interests in discrete mathematics
Experience in teaching and mentoring students

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Mathematics offers a wide range of research opportunities and events for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Our annual ISMaRT program brings together research teams that include faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students. One student’s research used machine learning to solve physics problems, while another’s helped create a data science curriculum for future mathematics teachers. Opportunities such as these await you in the Department of Mathematics.

Department Unit/Website:

https://math.iastate.edu/

Proposed Start Date:

August 16, 2026

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

May 31, 2028

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

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:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

3) 3 reference letters

4) Research statement

5) Statement of teaching experience

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Postdocs 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)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing Program